National Symposium on Sustainable Citrus Production

ICAR-Central Citrus Research Institute, Nagpur organized a 3–day National Symposium on “Sustainable citrus production-Way Forward” to commemorate 30 years of its foundation during 27–29 November, 2015 in collaboration with Indian Society of Citriculture (ISC), Nagpur and Technology Mission on Citrus  for Vidarbha, Marathwada and Chhindwara.

Dr. Anil Bonde, Member of Legislative Assembly, Morshi, Maharashtra, Chief Guest of the opening session on 27th November 2015 stressed the need to reduce cost of production. He appealed to scientists to develop production techniques so that crop survives during hailstorms.

Dr. S.P. Ghosh, former DDG (Hort. Sci.) presided over the opening session and stated that forecasting and forewarning can play important role in this changing climatic scenario.

Shri. S Navin Sona IAS, Director General, Vasantrao Naik Agricultural Management Training Institute, the guest of honour the opening session said risk management and fruit quality improvement are tween challenges which farmers are facing and capacity building should be oriented to achieve these objectives.

Dr. S. B. Dandin, former Vice-Chancellor, University of Horticultural Sciences, Bagalkot inaugurated the Symposium on 28th November as chief guest. Dr. Dandin laid emphasis on improving infrastructure and capacity building for better prices during marketing and reduction in post-harvest losses.  

Sh. Krupalji Tumane, Member of Parliament from Ramtek  constituency, the guest of Honour of inaugural session  emphasized the need to conduct research on citrus with respect to climate change. He said insect pests and disease dynamics has changed and extreme events like droughts, floods and hailstorm have become common.  Under such climate, assured crop and risk management should be focus of research.

Dr. Jankiram, ADG(hort.) who presided over the inaugural session  stated that heritage orchards needs to be protected as mother trees of high quality fruit.

Dr. M. S. Ladaniya, President of the ISC and Director, ICAR-CCRI welcomed guests and presented overview of achievements of the institute and briefed about the activities of Technology Mission on Citrus and the Indian Society for Citriculture.

Dr.A.K..Srivastava, Secretary, ISC proposed Vote of  thanks.

More than 200 delegates including citrus experts, horticulturists, state Department officials, Development agencies, University faculties, Scientists and Students participated.

(Source: ICAR-Central Citrus Research Institute, Nagpur)