DG, ICAR visits ICAR-IISR, Kozhikode, Kerala

22^nd December 2018, Kozhikode

Dr. Trilochan Mohapatra, Secretary DARE & DG ICAR visited ICAR-Indian Institute of Spices Research today and inaugurated the Advanced Facility for Post-Harvest Technology which is expected to give a significant thrust to research on processing, food safety and value addition in spices.

Dr. Mohapatra also inaugurated the Seminar on “Good Practices in Spices for Clean and Safe Spices”. In his inaugural address, Dr. Mohapatra stressed the importance of meticulous crop planning for enhancing the farm business income from farming activities in spice crops. Product development for niche markets, better application of mechanization and innovative crop management strategies can further enhance the returns from spice farming, he added.

Later, DG handed over incubate agreement to four Agri Start Ups registered with the ITM-BPD unit of ICAR-IISR and certificates of appreciation to sever farm entities for their services in furthering the cause of spice farming in the country. He also released three new biocontrol technologies developed by the Crop Protection Division. “SpiceCom” an elaborate database on high compounds from spices and “Spice VarReg” a mobile app providing information and facilitating registration of Farmers Varieties were also launched. He also participated in the cleaning activities as a part of “Swachtha Pakwada” going on at the institute.

Eight publications including five books, one technical bulletin and three folders were also released during the day.

Dr. T Janakiram, ADG (Hort I) and Sri Suresh Chandel, Member, ICAR Governing Body were also present during the occasion.

As part of the seminar, an exhibition was also organized showcasing the technological advancements and varietal wealth in spices along with the current developments in post-harvest processing and value addition in spices.

Other dignitaries present included Dr. K V Peter, Former Vice Chancellor, Kerala Agricultural University, Dr.Archana Mukherjee, Director, ICAR-CTCRI, Dr. C N Ravishankar, Director, ICAR-CIFT, Kochi and Dr. P. N. Ravindran, former Project Coordinator (Spices).

More than 200 farmers attended the event.

(Source: ICAR-Indian Institute of Spices Research, Kozhikode)