ICAR-CCRI Pioneers Collaborative Platform CCRi-AiM 1.0 for Catalyzing Institute-Industry Connection in Nagpur

The CCRI-AiM 1.0 (ICAR-CCRI Agro-Industry Meet) marked a significant milestone in the synergy between research institute and industry, fostering a collaborative ecosystem aimed at propelling the Indian citrus industry forward. Held on March 11-12, 2024, in Nagpur, Maharashtra, this pioneering event was orchestrated by the ICAR-Central Citrus Research Institute (ICAR-CCRI) in collaboration with the IP&TM Unit, ICAR, New Delhi.

Distinguished dignitaries including Prof. S. L. Mehta, Former DDG (Education), ICAR, New Delhi and Former Vice Chancellor, MPUAT, Rajasthan; K. Debdutta Sharma, Director, Department of Horticulture and Soil Conservation, Govt. of Manipur; Mamta Jain, Group Editor and CEO, Agriculture World; and Dr. Dilip Ghosh, Director, ICAR-Central Citrus Research Institute, Nagpur, graced the event, illuminating the ceremony with their esteemed presence. Over 35 leading agro-industries spanning nursery, fertilizers, agro-chemicals, bio-organics, processing, farm machinery, greenhouse technology, transportation, export, and information technology sectors enthusiastically participated, symbolizing a robust engagement towards a shared vision of industry growth and innovation.

Dr. Dilip Ghosh, Director of ICAR-CCRI and Convenor of CCRI-AiM 1.0, delivered the Welcome Address, articulating the imperative need for collaborative endeavors to elevate the Indian citrus industry. K. Debdutta Sharma, as Guest of Honour, emphasized the significance of collective action in disseminating CCRI's pioneering technologies, while Mamta Jain, Guest of Honour pledged support for information dissemination in the field of Citriculture through Agriculture World-Krishi Jagran. Prof. S. L. Mehta commended the exemplary efforts of Dr. Dilip Ghosh and his entire team in orchestrating this seminal event, acknowledging CCRI's strides in enhancing planting material quality and citri-technologies.

In an impactful stride towards industry-academia collaboration, ICAR-CCRI inked Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with Mahadhan Agritech Limited, Pune, Maharashtra, for Contract Research, and with the Department of Horticulture and Soil Conservation, Govt. of Manipur, for promoting citripreneurship.

Technical sessions featuring presentations by Dr. S. S. Roy, Senior Scientist (Horticulture) and Organizing Secretary, CCRI-AiM 1.0 covering ICAR-CCRI technologies and various avenues for Institute-Industry collaboration; followed by the presentation by the industry representatives from Jain Irrigation Systems Ltd. (Nursery Industry), Sahyadri Farm (Processing Industry) and Sumitomo Chemical (Agro-chemical Industry), elucidated avenues for Institute-Industry collaboration, setting the stage for insightful panel discussions.

The Panel Discussions were held on three thematic areas viz. Current Innovations in Planting Material and Agro-Input, Emerging Areas in Agro-chemicals and Plant Protection and Recent Trends in Fruit Processing and Digital Agriculture, moderated by Dr. A. K. Das, Dr. Naresh Meshram and Dr. Sangeeta Bhattacharya respectively. A total of 13 industry representatives acted as panellists and shared their insights and opinions. Following the panel discussions, a vibrant Interactive Session facilitated dialogue between industry delegates and showcased ongoing initiatives, fostering a dynamic exchange of ideas and perspectives aimed at catalyzing transformative change in the citrus sector. The industry representatives also visited the nursery, research farm and laboratories of ICAR-CCRI in the evening.

Day two witnessed a pivotal Business-to-Consumer (B2C) Meet inaugurated by Ravindra H. Thakare, IAS, Additional Tribal Commissioner, Nagpur, underscoring the importance of collaborative action for citrus grower welfare. This session provided a platform for fruitful interaction between 24 industry representatives, ICAR-CCRI scientists, and over 100 progressive citrus growers from Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh, culminating in a constructive feedback session chaired by Dr. Dilip Ghosh. During the B2C Meet, Dr. R. G. Agarwal, Chairman, Dhanuka Group and Family Charitable Trust was also felicitated for his significant contribution to the Indian agro-industry.