ICAR-CIRCOT Scientists Participate in 7th SEA–AICOSCA Cottonseed and Groundnut Conclave, Rajkot, Gujarat

Dr. S. K. Shukla, Director, ICAR-CIRCOT, Mumbai, along with his team comprising of Dr. V. G. Arude, Principal Scientist; Dr. A. Arputharaj, Senior Scientist and Dr. Manoj Kumar, Scientist participated in the 7th SEA–AICOSCA Cottonseed and Groundnut Conclave during August 22-23, 2026 held at Seasons Hotel, Rajkot, Gujarat. The conclave was organised by the Solvent Extractors’ Association (SEA) of India and All India Cottonseed Crushers' Association (AICOSCA).

Dr. S. K. Shukla participated as Panellist in the session on “Cotton 360°: Powering Sustainability, Profitability & Global Leadership” where experts discussed the broader opportunities for improving sustainability, profitability and competitiveness across the cotton value chain. He also served as the Chairperson of the session “Unlocking the Full Value of Cottonseed”, which focused on opportunities for enhanced utilisation and value addition of cottonseed. 

Dr. Manoj Kumar received the First Award in the Research Scholars Category under the N. K. Proteins Innovation Awards for Cottonseed & Cottonseed Oil Supply Chain. The award was presented to him for his work titled “Cottonseed Hulls to Furfural: Paving the Way for Renewable Fine Chemical Production”. His research focuses on the conversion of cottonseed hull into furfural, a value-added renewable fine chemical.