Tata Group Chairman Dr. N. Chandrasekaran's visit to ICAR- Directorate of Onion and Garlic Research, Pune

Pune: On June 29, 2024, Dr. N. Chandrasekaran, Chairman of Tata Group and companies along with the group of progressive farmers and entrepreneurs visited the ICAR- Directorate of Onion and Garlic Research, Pune for panel discussion session on ‘Onion Value Chain Management’. The distinguished presence of Dr. K. E. Lawande, Former VC- BSKKV, Dapoli, Dr. Vijay Mahajan, Director ICAR-DOGR, Mr. Vilas Shinde, President of Sahyadri Agro FPC, Nashik, Mr. Sunil Wankhede, Head, SMART-Nashik, a group of progressive farmers, official members of Tata Group & Companies, and expert scientists of ICAR-DOGR, Pune enriched the discussion session.

Dr. Vijay Mahajan, Director of ICAR-DOGR welcomed and acknowledged the esteemed presence of Dr. N. Chandrasekaran along with all other honorable dignitaries followed by presentation on showcasing of ICAR-DOGR technologies and research activities. The Chief guest Dr. Chandrasekaran had a keen discussion on various facets of Onion Value Chain Management like onion storage, marketing, onion processing industry and strategies to bolster these sectors. Dr. N. Chandrasekaran also expressed great pleasure and satisfaction over the Directorate’s ongoing research activities. He also ensured to take various strategic measures for this in the future through the initiatives of the Tata Group. Dr. Lawande provided insights into the overview of onion cultivation and exports, and shared his perspectives on different approaches to promote the onion processing industry. Mr. Vilas Shinde, accompanied by progressive farmers and young entrepreneurs, emphasized the critical role of corporate industry support and the necessary technological expertise in achieving this growth.

During the field and campus visit, Dr. Bhushan Bibwe and Dr. Rajkumar Dagdakhair showcased various onion storage structures developed at DOGR campus along with advancement in the onion storage facilities. Dr. Bibwe showcased the prototype of advanced environmental control system-based onion storage research facility of ongoing collaborative research work between ICAR-DOGR and Tata Steel Pvt Limited. Dr. Rajiv Kale, Senior scientist gave insights on various Agri-business incubation and extension activities of ICAR-DOGR and delivered the vote of thanks to dignitaries.