ICAR-DOGR, Pune Organizes 17th Annual Group Meeting of AINRPOG at MPKV, Rahuri

12–13 May 2026, Pune

ICAR-Directorate of Onion and Garlic Research organized the 17th Annual Group Meeting of the All India Network Research Project on Onion & Garlic (AINRPOG) at Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth during 12–13 May 2026. The national-level event brought together scientists, researchers, extension personnel, and stakeholders from across the country to deliberate on recent advances and future strategies for onion and garlic research and development.

The inaugural session commenced with floral welcome, lighting of the lamp, invocation, and felicitation of dignitaries. Dr Vilas Kharche, Vice Chancellor, MPKV, Rahuri, delivered the Presidential Address and emphasized the importance of collaborative research and technology dissemination for enhancing productivity, sustainability, and farmers’ income. Publications of MPKV and ICAR-DOGR were also released during the inaugural session.

Eminent dignitaries including Dr K.E. Lawande, Former Vice Chancellor, DBSKKV, Dapoli, and Dr Vijay Mahajan, Former Director, ICAR-DOGR, Pune, shared their valuable insights on strengthening onion and garlic research in India.

Dr P.S. Bodake, Director, Research, MPKV, Rahuri, welcomed the dignitaries and participants, while Dr Ram Dutta, Director (A), ICAR-DOGR, Pune, presented the Project Director’s Report highlighting the major achievements and future roadmap of AINRPOG.

The technical deliberations covered major thematic areas including performance evaluation and action taken reports, genetic resources and crop improvement, crop production, crop protection, formulation of technical programmes, and stakeholders’ interface. Scientists from ICAR-DOGR and cooperating centres presented significant research findings on varietal development, germplasm evaluation, breeding strategies, nutrient and water management, sustainable production technologies, integrated pest and disease management, and region-specific production constraints in onion and garlic cultivation.

Discussions during the sessions also focused on future research priorities under the coordinated network programme, with emphasis on climate resilience, resource-use efficiency, quality seed production, and effective technology dissemination to farmers.

The stakeholders’ interface session highlighted farmer-centric interventions under SCSP, TSP, and NEH programmes, with emphasis on inclusive development, extension outreach, and strengthening linkages among research institutions, developmental agencies, and growers.

During the plenary session, rapporteurs presented key recommendations and action points emerging from the technical deliberations. The meeting underscored the need for collaborative and demand-driven research to enhance the productivity, profitability, sustainability, and export competitiveness of onion and garlic in India.

At the conclusion of the programme, Dr Ram Dutta proposed a formal vote of thanks to all dignitaries, including Drs. P.S. Naik, B.P. Singh, S.B. Kharbade, and G.K. Sasane, for their valuable guidance and support in the successful organization of the AGM. He also extended his gratitude to the Council for granting permission to hold the AGM through Dr M.L. Jat, Secretary, DARE & Director General, ICAR; Dr S.K. Singh, Deputy Director General (HS), ICAR; and Dr Sudhakar Pandey, ADG (FVS & MP), ICAR, New Delhi.

(Source: ICAR-Directorate of Onion and Garlic Research, Pune)