ICAR-Central Citrus Research Institute (ICAR-CCRI), Nagpur organised a workshop-cum-nursery owners’ meet on Clean Planting Material of Citrus under the National Clean Plant Programme (CPP), at the institute campus, recently. The programme brought together nursery owners and entrepreneurs, scientists, policymakers, Government officials and farmers from 12 major citrus-growing States across the country to deliberate on strengthening the production and supply of pathogen-free citrus planting material in India. The dignitaries were welcomed by Dr Dilip Ghosh, Director, ICAR-CCRI, who delivered the welcome address highlighting the importance of quality planting material in improving citrus productivity, sustainability, and export competitiveness.

 

He emphasised the pivotal role of the National Clean Plant Programme in establishing a robust system for producing and distributing disease-free, true-to-type planting material across the country. During the inaugural session, several important publications of the institute were released, including the Indian Citriculture e-Magazine, a technical bulletin on the Clean Plant Programme, the book ‘Asian Citrus Industry: Growth and Sustainability’. The chief guest, Nitin Gadkari, Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways appreciated the efforts of ICAR-CCRI in promoting scientific citrus cultivation and the production of clean planting material.

 

He emphasised that access to certified, disease-free nursery plants is fundamental to enhancing orchard productivity, improving farmers’ income, and ensuring the long-term sustainability of India’s citrus industry. Gadkari also highlighted the importance of integrating modern technologies, scientific nursery practices, and quality assurance systems for holistic development of horticulture sector. The technical session featured expert presentations on various aspects of clean planting material production and citrus nursery development across different agro-climatic regions of India. Several experts viz. Dr A K Das, ICAR-CCRI, Yeshoda Vijayanthi Kalyan, NHB, Shiv Anjan Dalmia, Assam, Dr S K Maheshwari, Rajasthan, Dev Datta Sharma, Manipur, D Laxminarayan, Telangana, Dr Vikas Tandon, SKUAST, Jammu, Dr M S Ladaniya, JISL highlighted the status, challenges, and opportunities for strengthening certified citrus nursery systems in their respective regions. The discussions underscored the need for close collaboration among research institutions, Government agencies, and the private sector to ensure the availability of high-quality citrus planting material throughout the country.