Shri Gyanendra D. Tripathi, Additional Secretary (DARE) & Secretary (ICAR), Visits ICAR-IIHR, Bengaluru; Emphasizes Technology Commercialization and Horticultural Innovation

23 June 2026, Bengaluru

Shri Gyanendra D. Tripathi, Additional Secretary (DARE) & Secretary (ICAR), visited the ICAR-Indian Institute of Horticultural Research, Bengaluru today and appreciated the institute’s outstanding contributions to horticultural research, innovation, technology commercialization, and farmer-centric development.

During his visit, Shri Tripathi toured the Nursery Unit, Field Orchards, National Horticulture Fair Demonstration Area, Seed Unit, and Mushroom Unit of the institute. He interacted with scientists and researchers and learnt about the ongoing research activities, with particular emphasis on developing improved varieties and hybrids of fruits, vegetables, flowers, medicinal and aromatic plants, and emerging horticultural crops.

The Secretary was briefed on the institute’s achievements in crop improvement, genomics-assisted breeding, genome editing, seed production, quality planting material production, plant protection, and technology transfer. He appreciated the institute’s efforts in developing farmer-oriented technologies that contribute to enhanced productivity, profitability, and sustainability in horticulture.

In his address, Shri Tripathi commended ICAR-IIHR for its strong research ecosystem and impressive achievements in technology development and commercialization. He observed that the institute possesses immense potential to emerge as one of the leading revenue-generating institutions within the ICAR system through effective commercialization of technologies and intellectual assets. The Secretary emphasized that horticulture will play a pivotal role in achieving the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047 and highlighted the importance of innovation, diversification, value addition, and entrepreneurship in the sector. He encouraged scientists to continue pursuing impactful research and strengthening collaborations with industry to accelerate the transfer of technologies to farmers and agribusinesses.

Dr Tusar Kanti Behera, Director, ICAR-IIHR, welcomed the dignitaries and highlighted the institute’s achievements. He informed that ICAR-IIHR, established in 1967, conducts research on 54 horticultural crops and has developed more than 350 varieties and hybrids along with over 150 technologies. Of these, 157 technologies have been licensed for commercialization.

The programme was attended by Dr Praveen Malik, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Agrinnovate India Limited (AgIn); Dr A. Sahu, Director, ICAR-National Institute of Animal Nutrition and Physiology; Heads of Divisions; scientists; students; and staff members.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr Praveen Malik highlighted the role of Agrinnovate India Limited (AgIn) as the commercialization arm of ICAR. He mentioned that the ICAR-IIHR had contributed significantly to growth of the Agrinnovate India. He emphasized the importance of technology valuation, intellectual property management, licensing, and industry partnerships in translating research outputs into impactful agricultural innovations and sustainable agribusiness opportunities.

(Source: ICAR-Indian Institute of Horticultural Research, Bengaluru)