The Indian Council of Agricultural Research's Directorate of Floriculture Research (ICAR-DFR) celebrated its 16th Foundation Day in Pune with farmers and industry experts in attendance.
The best contributors in the floriculture industry were honored with certificates and mementoes. The awardees included Aniket Choure of Tilekar Wadi in Haveli; Suyog Chaudhary of Sortapwadi; Dnyaneshwar Aadkar, Vice-President of the Pawana Flower Growers Association in Maval; Suman Vasudev Kadam and Surekha Sudam Kadam; Anil Shinde of Ornamental Nursery; Pundalik Nimhan, a roserian from Pashan; Ganesh Kore and Sandeep Nawale from Sakal Agrovan Daily; and Krishnakant Kowale from Pudhari Newspaper.
© Indian Council of Agricultural Research
During the inaugural session, the chief guest, Dr. Sunil Bhagwat, Director of the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER), addressed the audience. Dr. K. V. Prasad, Director of ICAR-DFR, shared how a 50-acre barren plot was transformed into flower beds over 15 years through the efforts of scientists and workers.
© Indian Council of Agricultural Research
In the expert talks that followed, Dr. Sunil Bhagwat spoke about the importance of fresh flowers in daily life and India's progress toward becoming a major exporter after the Green Revolution. Dr. Vijay Mahajan, Director of the National Onion and Garlic Research Centre, noted the rising participation of women in floriculture and encouraged using fresh flowers instead of plastic to help protect the ecosystem.
© Indian Council of Agricultural Research
The program was anchored by Dr. Taraknath Saha. Dr. Prashant Kavar delivered the vote of thanks. Safety kits were also distributed to all attendees by the Crop Care Foundation, New Delhi, along with reminders to follow the safety guidelines.
© Indian Council of Agricultural Research
Notable guests included Dr. Anil Khar, Director at the Indian Agricultural Research Council; Harish Mehta, Senior Advisor at the Crop Care Foundation; Vivek Hosingkar, Van Rakshak from the Forest Department; and Dinesh Honmare, Assistant Commissioner in the Income Tax Department.
© Indian Council of Agricultural Research
The ceremony celebrated achievements in floriculture, highlighted farmer contributions, and underscored the importance of using fresh flowers to support environmental sustainability.
For more information:
Indian Council of Agricultural Research
www.icar.org.in/ 
