ICAR-CCRI Celebrates its 41st Foundation Day with Recognition of Progressive Citrus Growers

29 July 2025, Nagpur

ICAR-Central Citrus Research Institute, Nagpur, marked its 41st Foundation Day today with a grand celebration, reaffirming its pivotal role in advancing India’s citrus sector. The commemorative event, held at the institute's campus, drew wide participation from across the country, including eminent scientists, policymakers, students, entrepreneurs, citrus growers, and institutional collaborators.

Dr. Atul Narayan Vaidya, Vice-Chancellor, Laxminarayan Innovation Technological University (LITU), Nagpur, graced as the Chief Guest, and Dr. C. D. Mayee, Former Chairman, Agricultural Scientists Recruitment Board (ASRB), New Delhi, as the Guest of Honour.

Dr. Vaidya commended ICAR-CCRI for its leadership in citrus research and emphasized the importance of research-academic-industry collaboration to accelerate innovation and rural transformation. 
Dr. Mayee lauded the institute’s national and international contributions and called for greater focus on product diversification, export readiness, and value chain strengthening.

Dr. Dilip Ghosh, Director, ICAR-CCRI, provided a comprehensive overview of the institute’s four-decade-long journey in citrus research and innovation. He highlighted ICAR-CCRI’s achievements in the development of improved citrus varieties, integrated pest and disease management technologies, propagation of disease-free planting material, and advancements in postharvest handling and processing. Dr. Ghosh also unveiled a forward-looking strategic roadmap to enhance citrus productivity, fruit quality, and export potential, in alignment with national goals for sustainable and climate-resilient agriculture.

A special highlight of the programme was the felicitation of progressive citrus growers and nurserypreneurs from Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, and Manipur, whose success stories exemplify the impact of research-extension linkages and farmer-led innovation. These awardees were recognized for their outstanding contributions to commercial citrus cultivation, quality nursery management, and the adoption of scientific practices in the field.

The Foundation Day also served as a platform to celebrate stakeholder engagement and institutional partnerships. Scientists, students, and staff actively participated in a week-long series of academic, cultural, and sports activities leading up to the main event, creating a festive and intellectually vibrant atmosphere. The celebration reflected the institute’s holistic approach to science-led development, talent nurturing, and knowledge dissemination.

As ICAR-CCRI enters its fifth decade, the 41st Foundation Day celebration not only honored the past but also set the tone for a bold, innovation-driven future. The institute reaffirmed its commitment to building a globally competitive citrus sector through excellence in research, inclusive stakeholder engagement, and sustainable development practices.

(Source: ICAR-Central Citrus Research Institute, Nagpur)