Shri Sanjay Garg, Addl. Secretary DARE and Secretary, ICAR visited ICAR-DGR, Junagadh on 8^th March 2022. Dr C.S. Praharaj, Director (Acting), ICAR-DGR welcomed Shri Garg to the Directorate and gave brief introduction of Shri Sanjay Garg, Secretary, ICAR. He also mentioned about the strengths of the Institute and the challenges faced by this Directorate including the vacancy positions (almost half) in existing Scientific/Technical/Administrative category in the Institute.

Shri Sanjay Garg, Secretary, ICAR while addressing the entire staff of ICAR-DGR mentioned about the oilseed scenario in the country, and the importance of oilseeds sector in the current situation especially in that of Groundnut. Shri Garg stressed upon the importance of extension activities in the spread of new technologies, varieties, process, products, etc. for reaching to the farmers in the villages. He also urged that Research Institutes should work closely with the line departments and state agricultural functionaries for better outreach following understanding of local issues. He also mentioned that new varieties should penetrate to maximum number of farmers to improve acreage/productivity. The importance of value addition was also stressed upon. Shri Garg mentioned about the mission of the country for achieving self-sufficiency in edible oil production and the steps to be taken for an important oilseed crop, like groundnut, in achieving the goal. Earlier, Dr K.K. Pal, Principal Scientist, ICAR-DGR gave a brief presentation about the journey of the Directorate since its inception including its significant achievements, milestones and future research priorities in the next five years’ plan, keeping in view the national priorities.

The meeting ended with the thanks to the Chair.

Shri Sanjay Garg, Addl. Secretary DARE and Secretary, ICAR addressing the ICAR-DGR, Junagadh staff on 08.03.2022