The ICAR-Central Citrus Research Institute (ICAR-CCRI) Nagpur, Maharashtra signed the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Jammu (SKUAST-Jammu) here at Chatha, today, with the aim to promote academia and research co-operation between the two Institutes in the area of Fruit Sciences. Dr. Dilip Ghosh Director, ICAR-CCRI, Nagpur and Prof. J.P. Sharma, Vice Chancellor, SKUAST-Jammu signed the MoU on behalf of their respective organizations, in presence of Dr. A.A. Murkute, Principal Scientist and Dr. A. Thirugnanavel, Senior Scientist (Horticulture) from ICAR-CCRI, Nagpur, and Dr. Pardeep Wali, Director Research, Dr. A.K. Mondal, Dean, Faculty of Agriculture, Dr. Sushil K. Gupta, Dean Faculty of Horticulture & Forestry and Dr. Amit Jasrotia, Professor & Head, Division of Fruit Science from SKUAST-Jammu.
The ICAR-CCRI (formerly known as National Research Centre for Citrus) is an institute for research in citrus fruits was established on 29 November 1985 at Nagpur, Maharashtra under the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), while Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Jammu (SKUAST-Jammu) was established on the 20th September 1999, following the amendment in Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology Act 1982 through the State Legislature, having its Head Quarter at Main Campus, Chatha, Jammu. SKUAST-Jammu has a vision to pursue teaching, research and extension services in agriculture, horticulture, veterinary sciences and allied fields, aimed at food, nutritional and livelihood security and to become an institution of excellence in farming and allied sectors.
ICAR-NRC Nagpur was created amidst the ‘citrus decline’ in India resulting in reduction in the cropped area under citrus and with the mandate to undertake research on mandarin and acid lime to increase the productivity through developing better varieties, standardizing appropriate agro-techniques, integrated pest and disease management and developing technologies for improved storage, packing processing and waste utilization. At present, ICAR-CCRI is the nodal body of citrus research in India. Dr. Ghosh stated that this partnership is aimed at facilitating a close cooperation between both the Organizations and would be a milestone in the area of production of the disease-free quality planting material of Citrus in the country. Dr. Ghosh handed over 125 plants to the Head, Division of Fruit Science of the University, comprising 12 citrus varieties for plantation and evaluation under Jammu agro-climatic conditions. Prof. Sharma and Dr. Ghosh also planted citrus species in the Citrus Block of the Division of Fruit Science at University Research Farm, Chatha.
