ICAR-Directorate of Groundnut Research (DGR), Junagadh celebrated its 44^th Foundation Day on 1^st October 2022 following its establishment on 01.10.1979 as 1^st NRC (on Groundnut) in ICAR. This celebration was carried out in hybrid mode (physical mode at ICAR-DGR, Junagadh, and also webcasted through Zoom and YouTube). The programme was Chaired by Dr. A.R. Pathak, Hon. Former Vice Chancellor, JAU, Junagadh, while Dr. N. K. Gontia, Principal and Dean, CAET, and Former VC, JAU, Junagadh Co-chaired the event. Dr. T.R. Sharma, Hon’ble DDG (CS), ICAR was the Chief Guest, while Dr. Sanjeev Gupta, ADG (O & P) and Dr. D. K. Yadava, ADG (Seed), ICAR were the Guests of Honour for this great event.

In his inaugural address the Chairman Dr. AR Pathak reiterated that the information and scientific knowledge generated by DGR should be extended to the farmers at the FAST PACE for enhancing groundnut production and productivity.  While conferring the Foundation Day Awards to all the categories of staffs, he congratulated all for the sincere efforts in serving the groundnut farmers. The Co-chairman of the function Dr. NK Gontia also supported the endeavors of ICAR-DGR staffs.  He specifically mentioned that mechanization should be used effectively/efficiently; and insisted on making all efforts to improve per hectare productivity to 3 tonnes from the current 1.7 tonnes. Although the Hon’ble Chief Guest, Dr. TR Sharma DDG (CS) could not join virtually, yet he had sent out his blessings in the form of a message that was read out in the function. He congratulated the staffs of ICAR-DGR on Institutes Foundation Day and for completing the 43 years of existence of the Institute through NRCG, and later DGR. Earlier in his address the Guest of Honour Dr. Sanjeev Gupta ADG (O&P) mentioned that due to concerted efforts of all the stakeholders including ICAR-DGR and its AICRPG we could cross the production of 10 million tonnes of groundnut in the country consecutively for 3 years now. He also stressed upon using the advanced/innovative tools, like gene targeting, genomics, speed breeding etc. in groundnut. He urged the scientist to work for the nation enabling ICAR-DGR as a Quality Referral Lab soon. He blessed the groundnut Institution and its fraternity through his kind words in rechristening ICAR-DGR as ICAR-Indian Institute of Groundnut Research during 2023 following clearance of SFC/EFC 2021-26. In his address the Guest of Honour Dr. DK Yadava, ADG (Seed) emphasized on higher production of breeder seeds and improvement of SRR in groundnut. He further reiterated that AICRPG centers and SAU’s should coordinate for increasing the breeder seed indent and its production/distribution.

Earlier while highlighting the achievements of ICAR-DGR, Dr. CS Praharaj, PS and Acting Director mentioned that ICAR-DGR and its stakeholders would endlessly endeavour for higher production/productivity in groundnut. He informed about the different challenges faced by groundnut crop in its cultivation today. He urged for owning the strategies, for higher yield and attaining self-sufficiency in edible oil sector, such as reducing yield gap with improved varieties and technologies, area expansion (in new niches), improving infrastructure, and reducing consumption of oil.  He spoke about the significant achievements during the last year like, release of two high oleic groundnut verities (Girnar 4 and Girnar 5) besides identifying 3 others for their release, production of >12,200 quintals of groundnut breeder seed; and registration of breeding line “PBS 29079B” with NBPGR for having high 100-kernel weight (85.3 g).

The Chairman and the dignitaries also released three ICAR-DGR Publications on the occasion. The function also witnessed conferment of Awards of Excellence (Foundation Day Awards) to its employees in their respective categories for their significant contributions in R & D activities by the Chairman and the Director. Five awardees include Dr. Ajay BC (Best scientist); Sh. Ranvir Singh (Best Technical officer); Sh. CG Makhwana (Best Administrative staff), Sh. C.G Moradiya (Best skilled support staff), and Smt Santha Venugopalan (Best Finance & Accounts staff). Three employees due to retirement in 2023 viz., Dr. S.D. Savaliya, CTO, Smt Santha Venugopalan, Assistant, and Sh. N.G. Vadher, SSS were also felicitated. Besides these, three progressive farmers adopting improved groundnut production technologies were also felicitated on this occasion.

Dr. Rinku Dey, PS and I/c PME Cell coordinated the function and also offered the vote of thanks