The ICAR-Central Citrus Research Institute (ICAR-CCRI), Nagpur, celebrated its 42nd Foundation Day, reaffirming its pivotal role in advancing India’s citrus sector. The commemorative event, held at the institute’s Training Hall on July 28. The celebration was graced by Dr Sharad R Gadakh, Vice-Chancellor of Dr Panjabrao Deshmukh Krishi Vidyapeeth (PDKV), Akola, as the chief guest. Dr V N Waghmare, Director, ICAR-Central Institute for Cotton Research, Nagpur, and Dr N G Patil, Director, ICAR-National Bureau of Soil Survey and Land Use Planning, Nagpur, were present as guests of honour.

 

The programme was presided over by Dr Dilip Ghosh, Director, ICAR-CCRI, Nagpur. Their presence added stature to the occasion and reflected the importance of the institute’s contributions to national horticultural development. Delivering the welcome address, Dr Dilip Ghosh provided a comprehensive overview of the institute’s four-decade-long journey in citrus research and innovation. Dr Ghosh also outlined a forward-looking strategic roadmap to enhance citrus productivity, fruit quality, and export potential, in alignment with national goals for sustainable and climate-resilient agriculture. The institute’s annual report, showcasing the key research accomplishments of the past year, was presented by Dr S S Roy, Principal Scientist, ICAR-CCRI.

 

On the occasion, the chief guest and dignitaries released the institute’s achievements video, “ICAR-CCRI@2026”. A special highlight of the programme was the felicitation of five progressive citrus growers from Maharashtra, Telangana and Madhya Pradesh, whose success stories exemplify the impact of research-extension linkages and farmer-led innovation. These awardees were recognised for their outstanding contributions to commercial citrus cultivation, quality nursery management, and the adoption of scientific practices in the field. In his address, Dr Gadakh commended ICAR-CCRI for its leadership in citrus research and emphasized the importance of research-academia-industry collaboration to accelerate innovation and rural transformation. Dr Waghmare underscored the value of integrated, multi-disciplinary research in strengthening the resilience and profitability of citrus-based farming systems, while Dr Patil highlighted the role of sound soil health and land-use management in sustaining long-term citrus productivity.