28 July 2026, Nagpur
ICAR–Central Citrus Research Institute, Nagpur, celebrated its 42nd Foundation Day, reaffirming its pivotal role in advancing India's citrus sector. The commemorative event, held at the institute's Training Hall, was graced by Dr Sharad R. Gadakh, Vice-Chancellor of Dr Panjabrao Deshmukh Krishi Vidyapeeth (PDKV), Akola, as the Chief Guest.
Dr V. N. Waghmare, Director, ICAR–Central Institute for Cotton Research, Nagpur, and Dr N. G. Patil, Director, ICAR–National Bureau of Soil Survey and Land Use Planning, Nagpur, attended the programme as Guests of Honour.
The event was presided over by Dr Dilip Ghosh, Director, ICAR-CCRI, Nagpur. Their presence underscored the significance of the institute's contributions to the advancement of horticultural research and national agricultural development.
Addressing the gathering, Dr Sharad R. Gadakh lauded ICAR-CCRI for its leadership in citrus research and stressed the need to strengthen research-academia-industry collaboration to accelerate innovation and drive rural transformation.
Dr V. N. Waghmare emphasised the importance of integrated and multidisciplinary research in enhancing the resilience and profitability of citrus-based farming systems.
Dr N. G. Patil highlighted the critical role of soil health and scientific land-use management in ensuring the long-term sustainability and productivity of citrus cultivation.
Welcoming the dignitaries and participants, Dr Dilip Ghosh highlighted the institute's remarkable four-decade journey in citrus research, innovation, and technology development. He presented a comprehensive overview of ICAR-CCRI's major achievements, including the development of improved citrus varieties, integrated pest and disease management technologies, production of disease-free planting material, and advancements in post-harvest management and processing. Dr Ghosh also outlined the institute's strategic roadmap aimed at enhancing citrus productivity, improving fruit quality, and strengthening export potential in alignment with the national vision of sustainable and climate-resilient agriculture.
A key highlight of the celebration was the felicitation of five progressive citrus growers from Maharashtra, Telangana, and Madhya Pradesh. The awardees were recognised for their exemplary contributions to commercial citrus cultivation, quality nursery management, and the adoption of scientific cultivation practices, demonstrating the successful impact of research-extension linkages and farmer-led innovation.
The Foundation Day celebration also highlighted the institute's commitment to stakeholder engagement and institutional collaboration. Scientists, students, and staff enthusiastically participated in a week-long series of academic and sports activities organised ahead of the main event, fostering an atmosphere of learning, collaboration, and celebration. Winners of the Foundation Day competitions were felicitated, and prizes were distributed during the programme.
As ICAR-CCRI progresses into its fifth decade, the 42nd Foundation Day celebration not only commemorated the institute's rich legacy but also reaffirmed its commitment to shaping a globally competitive citrus sector through excellence in research, inclusive stakeholder engagement, innovation, and sustainable development.
(Source: Central Citrus Research Institute, Nagpur)
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