ICAR-DCR launches drone technology and horticulture labs

Puttur: Dr. Himanshu Pathak, Secretary (DARE) and Director General (ICAR), unveiled the newly established Drone Technology Lab and Horticulture Lab at ICAR-Directorate of Cashew Research (ICAR-DCR), Puttur. He appreciated both the director and the scientists and their hard labour in making advanced infrastructure, which will definitely boost the cashew production and decrease dependency on raw cashew imports. He further added that other ICAR institutes need to adopt the same policy to achieve the achievements of ICAR-DCR.

Centre, Karnataka government, and RKVY-RAFTAAR supported the establishment of the Drone Technology Lab and Horticulture Lab. The Drone Technology Lab has been made to revolutionize UAV applications for plantation crops. It will promote research as well as sustainable farming practices. The Horticulture Lab, equipped with advanced tools like HPLC, GCMS, and UV-visible spectrophotometers, focuses on profiling bioactive components in cashew apples, nuts, kernels, shells, and leaves.

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Dr. J. Dinakara Adiga, Director of ICAR-DCR, highlighted the institute’s research achievements and technology transfer initiatives during the event. Dr. V.B. Patel, Assistant Director General (Horticulture), and ICAR-DCR staff were also present.

As part of the event, a licensing agreement for Cashew Sprout Cookies was signed with Mr. Radhakrishna, proprietor of Nidhi Food Products, Puttur. Developed by Dr. Veena G.L., Scientist (Fruit Science), these cookies are a nutritious product rich in protein, calcium, and essential minerals, made without refined flour, artificial colors, or flavors.

The event ended with the felicitation of dignitaries. Those who were present at the event lauded the milestone achieved by ICAR-DCR in advancing cashew research and development.