25 July 2026, Nagpur
ICAR–Central Citrus Research Institute, Nagpur organized a Workshop-cum-Nursery Owners' Meet on Clean Planting Material of Citrus under the National Clean Plant Programme (CPP) at its campus. The workshop brought together nursery owners, entrepreneurs, scientists, policymakers, government officials, and farmers from twelve major citrus-growing states to deliberate on strengthening the production and supply of pathogen-free citrus planting material in India.
Addressing the gathering as the Chief Guest, Shri Nitin Gadkari, Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Government of India, appreciated the efforts of ICAR-CCRI in promoting scientific citrus cultivation and the production of clean planting material. He emphasized that access to certified, disease-free nursery plants is essential for improving orchard productivity, enhancing farmers' income, and ensuring the long-term sustainability of India's citrus industry. The Minister also underscored the need to integrate modern technologies, scientific nursery practices, and quality assurance systems for the holistic development of the horticulture sector.
Shri Gadkari also lauded the exemplary leadership and dedicated efforts of Dr Dilip Ghosh in advancing the Institute's research, innovation, and outreach activities. In recognition of his outstanding contribution to the growth and development of ICAR-CCRI and his commitment to strengthening the Indian citrus sector, the Minister felicitated Dr Ghosh during the inaugural session.
The programme commenced with participant registration and networking, followed by the inaugural session. Welcoming the gathering, Dr Dilip Ghosh, Director, ICAR-CCRI, highlighted the critical role of quality planting material in enhancing citrus productivity, sustainability, and export competitiveness. He emphasized the significance of the National Clean Plant Programme in establishing a robust system for the production and distribution of disease-free, true-to-type citrus planting material across the country.
On the occasion, several important publications of the Institute were released, including the Indian Citriculture e-Magazine, a Technical Bulletin on the Clean Plant Programme, and the book titled "Asian Citrus Industry: Growth and Sustainability."
The technical session featured expert presentations on various aspects of clean planting material production and citrus nursery development across diverse agro-climatic regions of the country. The experts deliberated on the current status, challenges, and opportunities for strengthening certified citrus nursery systems in their respective regions.
An interactive session provided a platform for nursery owners, farmers, entrepreneurs, scientists, and government officials to discuss practical issues related to nursery accreditation, production of pathogen-free planting material, disease diagnostics, certification standards, and the adoption of modern nursery technologies. The deliberations emphasized the importance of strengthening collaboration among research institutions, government agencies, and the private sector to ensure the availability of high-quality citrus planting material across the country.
The workshop marked another significant milestone in ICAR-CCRI's efforts to promote healthy citrus orchards through the production and dissemination of certified, pathogen-free planting material, thereby contributing to the sustainable growth and competitiveness of India's citrus industry.
(Source: ICAR–Central Citrus Research Institute, Nagpur)
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