Research Council, CSIR-IHBT reviewed the activities of Floriculture Mission

Research Council members of CSIR-Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology,
Palampur (HP) along with Director and scientists of the institute met the floriculture farmers,
entrepreneurs and industry personnel at Tang Narwana, Dharamshala, District Kangra,
Himachal Pradesh on 19th December 2022. More than 50 progressive farmers interacted with
the team members on this occasion and discussed about the impact made by CSIR-
Floriculture Mission in the region.
Dr. Trilochan Mohapatra, Former Secretary, DARE; Former DG ICAR and Chairman of
Research Council along with Dr. Sanjay Kumar, Director CSIR-IHBT, Dr. S K Sharma, Dr.
Agepati S Raghavendra, Prof. Uma Ramakrishnan, Dr. Meenakshi Singh interacted with
farmers. The team monitored the activities and progress of CSIR Floriculture Mission.
Under CSIR-Floriculture Mission, DG, CSIR and Secretary, DSIR, Govt. of India, Dr. N.
Kalaiselvi earlier inaugurated and flagged off the refrigerated van in the month of
Novemeber, 2022 at CSIR-IHBT. In continuation, today Dr. Mohapatra send-off the first
cold-chain supply of fresh carnation and gerbera flower boxes through refrigerated van. He
addressed the farmers and appreciated the efforts of CSIR-IHBT institute for their
contribution in supporting floriculture farmers of the region. On this occasion, Dr. Sanjay
Kumar suggested the farmers that how by establishing a cold-chain supply facility can reduce
the post-harvest losses of their crops. According to him refrigerated van facility will be made
available to stakeholders for the transportation of fresh cut flowers to trade points including
airports and domestic markets. Farmers also shared their experiences and success stories in
floriculture business and emphasized the role of CSIR- Floriculture Mission in their
economic upliftment through technical guidance and supply of quality planting material.
Earlier, Dr. Bhavya Bhargava briefed the mission activities to the gathering in detail.