Additional Secretary (DARE) & Financial Advisor (ICAR) visits ICAR-CIRCOT, Mumbai

Shri Sandeep Sarkar, Additional Secretary (DARE), and Financial Advisor (ICAR), visited the ICAR–Central Institute for Research on Cotton Technology (ICAR-CIRCOT), Mumbai, on 2 July 2026.

During his visit, Shri Sarkar held a review meeting with the Heads of Divisions, Scientists and the Heads of Administration and Finance to assess the Institute's financial and administrative matters, including budget utilization. Emphasizing the need for prudent financial management in view of limited resources, he advised the Institute to explore additional funding opportunities through Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives of private organizations. He also stressed the importance of judicious utilization of available resources and the implementation of stringent quality assurance measures while procuring products and services from third-party vendors.

Shri Sarkar further emphasized the need to accord top priority to the effective implementation of the Mission on Cotton Productivity, recently approved by the Union Cabinet under the chairmanship of the Hon'ble Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi. He encouraged the Institute to make concerted efforts towards achieving the objectives of the mission through focused research, technology development, and stakeholder engagement.

Earlier, Dr. N. Shanmugam, Head, Mechanical Processing Division (MPD), welcomed the dignitary. This was followed by a presentation on the Institute's research, development, extension, and technology transfer activities by Dr. A.S.M. Raja, Head, Quality Evaluation and Improvement Division (QEID). Dr. A.K. Bharimalla, Principal Scientist, Engineering and Technology Transfer Division (ETTD), presented the status of commercialization of the Institute's technologies and highlighted ongoing efforts to enhance technology adoption by industry and other stakeholders. Dr. N. P. Sahu, Director of ICAR-CIFE, Mumbai accompanied the chief guest.