19th January 2025, Ajmer
ICAR-National Research Centre on Seed Spices, Ajmer, commemorated its 25th Foundation Day and Silver Jubilee year, followed by a Kisan Farmer Fair, here today.
The Chief Guest, Shri Bhagirath Choudhary, Union Minister of State, Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, inaugurated the Kisan Mela and unveiled a Silver Jubilee Stone to mark the 25-year journey of ICAR-NRCSS. In his address, he highlighted the remarkable progress of ICAR-NRCSS and its contribution to the seed industry and the nation, emphasizing that seed spices contribute approximately 6000 crore rupees annually to the national export basket. Shri Choudhary stressed the importance of organic and natural farming in seed spices, highlighting its vast potential.
The Guest of Honor, Dr R.S. Paroda, Former Director-General (ICAR) and Secretary (DARE), highlighted his vision behind establishing the institute to meet the research and development needs of seed spices. He emphasized its significant potential, especially for arid and semi-arid regions.
Dr Balraj Singh, Vice-Chancellor, Sri Karan Narendra Agriculture University, Jobner, highlighting his efforts to promote the protected cultivation of seed spices.
Dr Ajit Kumar Karnataka, Vice-Chancellor, Maharana Pratap University of Agriculture and Technology, Udaipur; Dr Sudhakar Pandey, Assistant Director General (Hori.), ICAR; Dr Vikramaditya Pandey, PS, ICAR; Dr Jagdish Rane, Director, ICAR-Central Institute for Arid Horticulture, Bikaner; Dr Arun Tomar, Director, ICAR-Central Sheep and Wool Research Institute, Avikanagar; Dr J. P. Mishra, Director, ICAR-Agricultural Technology Application Research Institute, Jodhpur, along with ICAR-NRCSS founder Director, Dr G.B. Raturi, and past Director, Dr M.M. Anwar, also graced the occasion.
Dr Vinay Bhardwaj, Director, ICAR-NRCSS, elaborated on the 25-year journey of ICAR-NRCSS, showcasing its landmark achievements, especially the development of more than 20 varieties and seed spices-based technologies that cater to the needs of seed spices research and development in the country.
On this occasion, a Nutri Garden was also inaugurated, and a series of publications were unveiled, including the ICAR-NRCSS Silver Jubilee book celebrating 25 years, a diary on seed spices, a technical bulletin, and an inventory of technologies developed by ICAR-NRCSS, Ajmer.
An Agri-Expo was organized focusing on seed spices and industry, with participation from scientists of ICAR institutes, SAU, industry personnel, FPO, heads, and scientists of Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs), along with over 1,500 farmers from across the state.
The Silver Jubilee event reaffirmed ICAR-NRCSS’s commitment to fostering innovation, enhancing research, and strengthening India’s position in the global seed spice market.
(Source: ICAR-National Research Centre on Seed Spices, Ajmer)
Read more: https://www.icar.org.in/icar-nrcss-commemorates-its-25th-silver-jubilee-foundation-day
