Union Minister Shri. Shivaraj Singh Chouhan visits ICAR-CIRCOT to review the Research and Development programmes on 9th July, 2024

Shri. Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Hon’ble Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare & Rural Development, and the President of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research visited ICAR-Central Institute for Research on Cotton Technology (CIRCOT), Mumbai on 9th July 2024 to review the ongoing research and development programmes.

Shri. Chouhan visited the institute’s Fibre testing lab, Weaving section, Mechanical processing division, Nanocellulose pilot plant, Advanced material lab and ICPMS & Kawabata facilities. Later, he interacted with the Agri-startups being supported by the Institute under the RKVY-RAFTAAR programme of Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare.

On the occasion of ICAR-CIRCOT’s centenary year celebration, Shri. Chouhan congratulated all the staff of the institute for their outstanding contributions to cotton processing and value addition to cotton biomass, benefiting various stakeholders, including farmers. He also lauded the institute's efforts in developing innovative technologies and sustainable practices that have significantly improved the livelihoods of farmers and contributed to the agricultural sector. He appreciated the dedication and hard work of the researchers and staff, recognizing their role in positioning ICAR-CIRCOT as a leader in cotton research and development. During the address, he encouraged the team to continue their excellent work and strive for further advancements in cotton processing and biomass utilization. Additionally, he emphasized the need to brainstorm and constitute a committee involving various stakeholders and farmers, in addition to the scientists, to set targets for the next 100 days, one year, and a comprehensive roadmap for the next five years, to ensure that the Institute achieves new heights in the coming century.

Earlier, Dr. S. K.  Shukla, Director, ICAR-CIRCOT, Mumbai welcomed the Minister and presented the overall achievements of the Institute, with special emphasis on Institute’s success in revenue generation, industry collaboration, support for incubation and startups, education and extension activities. He mentioned that the institute has rendered yeoman service to the ginning industry by developing several essential technologies and processes that benefit not only the Indian ginning industry but also the global industry. Also, on the eve of centenary celebration, he submitted the proposal for upgrading the infrastructure of the Institute to make it a world-class research facility for fostering innovation, advancing scientific knowledge and to drive economic growth through technological advancements in the country.

A booklet on “Glimpses of ICAR-CIRCOT 2024” was released on this occasion.  

Dr. K. Narsaiah, Assistant Director General (Process Engineering), ICAR, New Delhi briefed about the contribution of ICAR-CIRCOT, Mumbai. Dr. C. N. Ravishankar, Director, ICAR-CIFE, Mumbai and Dr. P. L. Patil, Vice Chancellor, UAS, Dharward and other eminent dignitaries graced the occasion. All the scientists, officers, staff and scholars attended the programme.