14th Annual Workshop of AINP on HPVA of NRG

5^th January 2023

The 14^th Annual Workshop of the All India Network Project on ‘Harvesting, Processing and Value Addition of Natural Resins and Gums’ (NP-HPVA of NRGS) organized by ICAR-National Institute of Secondary Agriculture, Ranchi organized was virtually inaugurated today. The aim of the workshop was to review the annual progress of the Network Project centres and to discuss the technical programmes for the year 2023–24.

Dr. S.N. Jha, Deputy Director General (Agricultural Engineering), the Chairman of the Inaugural session, appreciated the good work on the development of biodegradable film and edible coating under this project. He said future research work under this project should be carried out under the revised mandate of ICAR-NISA and urged for review of the sub-projects of different network centres.

Dr. P. L. Singh, Assistant Director General (Farm Engineering), the co-chair, urged that more effort is needed for better visibility of the project. He emphasized the importance of compiling the technologies developed under the project in the form of a leaflet/brochure. He said centres may approach different agencies like Sate Rural Livelihood Mission(SRLM) and forest department for funding the research projects.

Dr K. Narsiah, Assistant Director General (PE) urged to focus the research on extraction of high-value compound and making derivatives from Natural Resins and Gums.

Dr. Abhijit Kar, Director, ICAR-NISA stated that all the centres should explore the possibilities of funding from other source for future work.  He also urged to work in partnership mode with private organization.

Dr. N. Prasad, Project Coordinator presented the Coordinator’s Report and ATR on recommendations of 13^th Annual Workshop. He also briefed the objectives of the Project and methodologies/techniques, process/products, & technologies/patents developed or transferred by the PIs of the Network Project to the farmers/stakeholders.

Seven publications by different centres under the Network Project were released during the Inaugural Session by the dignitaries.

(Source: ICAR-National Institute of Secondary Agriculture, Ranchi)