ICAR-NRCG Celebrates Grape Day (द्राक्ष महोत्सव)

25^th February 2025, Pune

To raise awareness about grapes and their diverse products among the general public, ICAR-National Research Centre for Grapes, organized Grape Day (द्राक्ष महोत्सव) today. 

The Chief Guest, Dr Sudhir Hiremath, DIG-CBI, Pune, appreciated the institute’s efforts in enhancing farmers’ income through the diversification of grape-derived products and their commercialization.

The Special Guest Dr K.V. Prasad, Director, ICAR-ICAR-Directorate of Floricultural Research, Pune, highlighted the need for developing grape varieties with low glycaemic index (GI) to make it popular across the community

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Dr Bikash Madal, Assistant Director General (International Relations), ICAR, shared insights on sustainable grape cultivation and urged to using biopesticides and biostimulants. He also lauded the work in the field of food safety especially pesticide residue management in grapes. 

Dr Kaushik Banerjee, Director, ICAR-NRCG, Pune, emphasized the significance of the event. 

The vineyards were kept open for visitors to witness various grape varieties and learn about the grape cultivation process and grape-based products.  A few incubates of ABI-Draksha had set up stalls to showcase and sell their grape-based products.  Grape Day received an overwhelming response with more than 400 attendees interacting enthusiastically with the ICAR-NRCG staff.

(Source: ICAR-National Research Centre for Grapes, Pune)