Rajgurunagar, Pune, June 16, 2026:

The ICAR–Directorate of Onion and Garlic Research (ICAR-DOGR), Rajgurunagar, celebrated its 29th Foundation Day with great enthusiasm and active participation from scientists, staff members, and farmers.

The programme was graced by Dr. Vilas Kharche, Vice-Chancellor, Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth (MPKV), Rahuri, as the Chief Guest and Dr. Ram Dutta, Director (Acting), ICAR-DOGR along with Nodal and Co-Nodal officers of TSP and SCSP programme. Dr. Sudhakar Pandey, Assistant Director General (FVSMAP), ICAR, and Dr. Vikramaditya Pandey, Principal Scientist (Horticulture) and Ex-ADG, ICAR, New Delhi also joined the programme in online mode.

The inaugural session commenced with floral welcome, lighting of the lamp, invocation, and felicitation of dignitaries. The event commenced with a welcome address by Dr. Ram Dutta, Director (Acting), ICAR-DOGR, who highlighted the Directorate’s remarkable journey over the past 29 years. He presented the major achievements, research accomplishments, and technological advancements made by the institution in onion and garlic research.

During the technical session, Dr. Thangasamy, Principal Scientist (Soil Science), presented the achievements and success stories under the SCSP and TSP programmes. Dr. Shailendra Ghadge, Principal Scientist (Agricultural Extension), highlighted the activities undertaken by the Directorate under the “Mera Gaon Mera Gaurav” initiative and the Khet Bachao Abhiyan. Dr. Amar Jeet Gupta, Principal Scientist (Horticulture), elaborated on the achievements and impact of the Tribal Sub-Plan (TSP) programme and shared notable success stories from the field.

Dr. Sudharkar Pandey, Assistant Director General (FVSMAP), ICAR, congratulated Team DOGR on the occasion of its 29th Foundation Day and appreciated the Directorate’s contributions to onion and garlic research. He emphasized the vital role of onion and garlic in both the national and global economy and highlighted the need for focused research to enhance crop productivity under changing climatic conditions. He also stressed the importance of developing climate-resilient technologies and promoting sustainable farming practices to ensure long-term growth and profitability in onion and garlic cultivation.”

Addressing the gathering, Dr. Vilas Kharche lauded the significant contributions of ICAR-DOGR in advancing onion and garlic research, various varieties and technology development, and its dissemination for the benefit of farmers across the country. He emphasized the importance of balanced use of fertilizers, quality seed production under climate change scenario, and farmer-centric research in strengthening the horticulture sector and enhancing farmers’ livelihoods.

On this occasion, progressive farmers who had made outstanding contributions and achieved remarkable success in onion and garlic cultivation were felicitated in recognition of their achievements.

A total of 180 participants/farmers attended the celebration, including scientists, technical and administrative staff of ICAR-DOGR, as well as farmers associated with the Scheduled Caste Sub-Plan (SCSP), Tribal Sub-Plan (TSP), and North Eastern Hill (NEH) programmes.

The programme concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by Dr. Rajiv Kale, Senior Scientist (Agri. Extn.). The Foundation Day celebration reaffirmed ICAR-DOGR’s commitment to excellence in research, innovation, and extension services for the sustainable development of onion and garlic cultivation in India.