National Citrus Symposium–2025 Concludes Successfully

21-23 December 2025, Nagpur

The National Citrus Symposium–2025 was organized from 21–23 December 2025 at Jain Hills, Jalgaon, Maharashtra by ICAR–Central Citrus Research Institute, Nagpur and Jain Irrigation Systems Ltd. (JISL), Jalgaon, under the aegis of the Indian Society of Citriculture, Nagpur. The symposium was convened by Dr. Dilip Ghosh, President, Indian Society of Citriculture and Director, ICAR–CCRI.

The inaugural session was graced by Dr. Himanshu Pathak, Director General, ICRISAT, Hyderabad, as Chief Guest. Dr. N. Krishnakumar, Former Deputy Director General (Horticultural Science), ICAR, New Delhi; Shri Anil B. Jain, Vice-Chairman, JISL; and Shri Ajit B. Jain, Joint Managing Director, JISL, were the Guests of Honour.

Dr. Himanshu Pathak underscored the potential of citrus farming in dryland regions in the context of climate change.

Dr. N. Krishnakumar lauded the collaborative efforts of ICAR–CCRI and JISL in bringing together citrus researchers from India and abroad. Shri Anil B. Jain highlighted JISL’s contributions to citrus research.

In his welcome address, Dr. Dilip Ghosh emphasized the importance of public–private partnerships in advancing citrus research, production of clean planting material, and development of export-quality fruits, while highlighting the key achievements of ICAR–CCRI.

During the inaugural session, the Indian Society of Citriculture conferred ISC Fellow and Honorary Fellow Awards on eminent national and international scientists. The Souvenir-cum-Book of Abstracts of National Citrus Symposium–2025, the second issue of Volume 3 of the Indian Citriculture e-Magazine, and a book titled “Citrus Cultivation Guide and Calendar of Operations” prepared by JISL were released. Two citrus varieties—Jain Mandarin-1 and Jain Sweet Orange-6—were also released, and planting material was distributed to progressive citrus growers. The session concluded with a vote of thanks by Shri Ajit B. Jain.

The symposium featured five technical sessions, one plenary session, oral and poster presentations, field visits, fruit shows, and farmer–industry–academia interactions. Eminent experts from India and abroad, including the USA, Spain, and Israel, delivered plenary lectures. With participation of over 275 delegates, the symposium provided a significant platform for knowledge exchange, innovation, and collaboration to strengthen the Indian citrus sector.

The valedictory session on 23 December 2025 was graced by Dr. I. M. Mishra, Vice Chancellor, Vasantrao Naik Marathwada Krishi Vidyapeeth (VNMKV), Parbhani; Dr. N. Krishnakumar; and Dr. Dilip Ghosh. Awards for Best Oral and Poster Presentations were presented to delegates. Dr. Venkatraman Bansode and Dr. Sangeeta Bhattacharyya served as the Organizing and Co-Organizing Secretaries of the symposium.

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