20 May 2026, Hyderabad
ICAR–National Academy of Agricultural Research Management, Hyderabad, organized “Technology Commercialization Forum (TCF)” on “Building Sustainable Mango Seed Kernel Value Chains” under the Rural Technology Action Group (RuTAG) 2.0 initiative at RKV Residency, Krishnagiri, Tamil Nadu today. The programme was catalyzed and supported by the Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India.
The Chief Guest, Dr P.S. Harikrishnaraj, General Manager, NABARD Regional Office, inaugurated the forum and emphasized NABARD’s role in supporting value-chain development, FPO and start-ups promotion, and sustainable rural livelihoods.
The Guest of Honour, Dr T. Damodaran, Director, ICAR–Central Institute for Subtropical Horticulture, Lucknow, mentioned about the scope for innovation, product diversification, and technology transfer for promoting mango kernel–based enterprises.
Distinguished industry leaders from the mango processing and export sectors namely, Shri. D. Udhayakumar, Managing Partner, Udhayaraj Fruit Product; Mr. E. Madhavan, Founder and CEO, Paiyur Group of Companies participated as Guests of Honour. They highlighted the key challenges confronting the processing sector while expressing keen interest in adopting innovative mango seed kernel technologies that offer proven commercial viability and sustainable business opportunities. The gathering included experts from leading ICAR institutes and academic institutions.
Dr Gopal Lal, Acting Director, ICAR-NAARM, highlighted the importance of multi-stakeholder collaboration for sustainable mango kernel value-chain development and also emphasized the significance of converting agricultural waste into value-added products through innovation and commercialization.
The programme also brought together entrepreneurs, industry leaders, developmental organizations, media representatives, and farmer groups. All the participants deliberated on strategies for establishing sustainable mango kernel value chains and fostering rural entrepreneurship.
A live demonstration of the mango seed decorticator developed by IIT Madras was conducted by Prof. Varun, showcasing its potential for kernel extraction and reducing drudgery. The forum concluded with an interactive discussion on collaborative approaches for technology commercialization, market linkages, value addition, and livelihood enhancement for mango-growing communities.
A total of 80 participants from over 35 institutions and organizations across five states attended the forum, representing a diverse spectrum of stakeholders from the agriculture and allied sectors.
(Source: National Academy of Agricultural Research Management, Hyderabad)
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