CitriHub ABI of ICAR-CCRI, Nagpur Organizes Incubation Training Programme on Foodpreneurship

16-18 March 2026, Nagpur

CitriHub–the Agribusiness Incubation Centre of ICAR-Central Citrus Research Institute, Nagpur, successfully organized a three-day incubation training programme for two foodpreneurs during 16-18 March, 2026. The programme was conducted for Shri Krishna Gopal Singh from Bihar and Shri Sivakumar Keertipati from Karnataka, who have been admitted to CitriHub to avail agribusiness incubation support in citrus processing, value addition, and product development.

During the programme, Dr Dilip Ghosh, Director, ICAR-CCRI, interacted with the incubatees and discussed the opportunities, challenges, and strategic approaches for strengthening citrus-based enterprises in their respective regions. He emphasized the importance of scientific processing, innovation, and market-oriented product development for enhancing the citrus value chain and improving profitability for entrepreneurs.

The experts  provided hands-on exposure to the preparation of a range of citrus-based value-added products, including acid lime ready-to-serve beverage, acid lime fizzy drink, mandarin jam, mandarin jelly spread, mandarin-cinnamon jelly spread, and spicy mandarin jelly spread, developed by ICAR-CCRI. In addition, innovative products such as honey-based acid lime RTS beverage and honey-based mandarin jelly spread were developed during the course of the training.

The incubatees were also trained in scientific post-harvest management and storage techniques of mandarin fruits to ensure quality retention and reduction of post-harvest losses. Apart from technical training, the programme also included mentoring sessions on processing unit establishment, business plan preparation, business model development, brand building, and regulatory requirements.

Both the incubatees expressed their satisfaction with the programme and acknowledged that they have greatly benefited from the training and expert guidance provided at CitriHub. They also expressed their keen interest in further strengthening their citripreneurial ventures during the incubation period.

CitriHub continues to play a significant role in promoting citripreneurship by providing technology-driven incubation support, skill development, and business mentoring to aspiring entrepreneurs in the citrus sector.

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