ICAR-CIRCOT conducted 32nd Research Advisory Committee (RAC) Meeting

The 32st RAC meeting of ICAR-CIRCOT, Mumbai was held during May 18-19, 2026 in hybrid mode in Video Conference Room at Mumbai. The meeting was chaired by Prof. (Dr).  S. M. Ishtiaque, Former Dy. Director (A), IIT Delhi and Former Director, NITRA, Ghaziabad & Chairman, RAC, in the presence of RAC Members, Dr. Y. G. Prasad, Former Director, ICAR-CICR, Nagpur, Dr. T. V. Shreekuamr, Director, BTRA, Mumbai, Dr. Umesh Ghanekar, Professor NIT, Kurukshetra, Dr. K. Narsaiah, ADG (PE), Shri. Makarand Korde, IMC member on RAC, Shri. Sachin Kulkarni, IMC Member on RAC and Dr. S. K. Shukla, Director, ICAR-CIRCOT. The meeting was attended by all the Heads of Division and Scientists of the Institute.

At the outset Dr. S. K. Shukla, Director, ICAR-CIRCOT, welcomed all the members with a bouquet of flowers.  He also presented major research achievements and other institute development activities undertaken by the institute in the last one year. He highlighted technologies developed, commercialized, skill development and commercial services undertaken and revenue generated by the institute. He briefed about the future areas in the research on post- harvest processing of cotton and priorities of institute for the coming years. 

Dr. V. G. Arude, Member Secretary, RAC, presented the Action Taken Report (ATR) on the proceedings of the 30th RAC. 

On the occasion following two publications were released and one MoU singed in the presence the Chairman, RAC and members. The publications are

1. Leaflet: Microbial Testing and Consultancy Services for Cotton Textiles 
2. Technical Bulleting: Seed Cotton Handling & Storage: An Overview from Global Perspective

3. Signing of MoU: ICAR-CIRCOT signed MoU with Ms. Archana Mahajan of M/s. Aruheal Solutions for transfer of technology entitled ‘Cotton Linter and Banana Fibre Composite Pulp for Maternity Pads Applications’ 

    

Prof. (Dr.) S. M. Ishtiaque, Chairman RAC, emphasized that research and development forms the backbone of any industry and plays a crucial role in the economic development of a country. He stated that fundamental research is essential and should be appropriately balanced with applied research. He highlighted that the research activities carried out at the institute are being successfully translated into technologies, the impact of which is clearly visible in the field. He appreciated the institute’s commendable achievements in revenue generation over the past few years. He further suggested that the institute’s equipment and research facilities should be utilized to their fullest potential. He also recommended undertaking research on fibre to fibre friction, recycling of textile materials, and the application of image processing techniques for developing small scale instruments useful for farmers, ginning and spinning industries.

Dr. K. Narsaiah, ADG (PE), emphasized that the Mission on Cotton Productivity (MCP) is expected to play a significant role in the years ahead. He highlighted the growing global competitiveness of cotton and stressed the need to enhance its share in the textile sector. He advocated that research initiatives should be farmer centric and industry oriented, ensuring that the technologies developed are easily adoptable by stakeholders. He further urged researchers to undertake projects capable of bringing transformative changes to the entire cotton sector. 

All other RAC members also put forth their views and perspective about research activities being conducted at ICAR-CIRCOT and suggested the future course of action. 

A lecture was organized on the occasion of RAC on the topic entitled ‘कपास उत्पादक किसानों की समस्याएँ और आवश्यक तकनीक’ . The lecture was delivered by Shri. Makarand Mukundrao Korde, Member IMC (Representing Agricultural/Rural Interest) nominated on IMC & Member RAC. 

An Interaction meeting with Scientists and lecture of Shri. Sachin Kulkarni, Member IMC (Representing Agricultural/Rural Interest) & Member RAC was organized to discuss various textile industry oriented problems and their solutions through research. 

Vote of thanks was proposed by Dr. V. G. Arude, Principal Scientist & RAC Member Secretary.