Brainstorming session on collaborative research in the fields of agro-textiles and biocomposites between ICAR-CIRCOT, Mumbai and ICAR-DFR, Pune

A brainstorming session for inter-institutional collaborative research in the fields of agro-textiles and biocomposites was held on 3rd August 2022 at ICAR-CIRCOT, Mumbai under the leadership of Dr. Sujata Saxena, Director, ICAR-CIRCOT and Dr. K.V. Prasad, Director, ICAR-DFR. Team of scientists from both the institutions participated in this brainstorming session. Dr. Sujata Saxena welcomed the team from ICAR-DFR, Pune and elaborated the research activities being carried out in the Institute. She also mentioned the expertise available at the Institute in technical textiles, biocomposites and nanotechnology. Dr. Prasad presented the challenges being faced by the nursery farmers and floriculture industry in the face of nationwide plastic ban and the requirement of scientific interventions to overcome the same. He sought replacements for plastic based nursery seedling trays, nylon nets, nursery polybags, synthetic plant protection paper and sphagnum moss sticks.

Scientists from ICAR-CIRCOT discussed the possibilities of using cotton based textile and paper materials to replace the plastics. Also, it was deliberated on the potential use of nanofinished cotton fabrics for flower packaging and nanofinished cotton threads for plant supports. Finally, the possible use of nanofertilizers and nanopesticides for floriculture was discussed in detail. Dr. A.S.M. Raja, Dr. N. Vigneshwaran, Dr. A.K. Bharimalla, Dr. A. Arputharaj, Dr. Manoj Mahawar and Dr. Jyoti Dhakane-Lad participated from ICAR-CIRCOT, Mumbai. Dr. Kiran P. Bhagat, Dr. Ganesh B Kadam and Er. Rahual Subhash Yadav participated from ICAR-DFR, Pune. The meeting ended with the vote of thanks from the Directors of both the Institutes.