ICAR DG inaugurates Drone tech lab and Horticulture lab at Directorate of Cashew Research in Puttur

The state-of-the-art Drone Lab fosters innovation in UAV applications for plantation crops while Centre of Excellence for Profiling and Bioactive Components focuses on exploring phytochemicals in cashew apples, nuts, kernels, shells, and leaves.

Dr Himanshu Pathak, Secretary (DARE) and Director General (ICAR), inaugurated the Drone Technology lab and Horticulture lab of ICAR-Directorate of Cashew Research, Puttur, today. He lauded the Director and scientists for creating outstanding infrastructure and research facilities and emphasised that it should be emulated by other ICAR institutes. Dr Pathak also stressed the need for impactful research to increase the production and productivity of cashews to reduce the dependency on the import of raw cashew nuts. He discussed the ongoing research activities and inquired about the requirements for the institute during the interaction with the staff.

The Drone Technology Lab and Horticulture Lab were established with funding from RKVY-RAFTAAR, the Govt of Karnataka, and the Department of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, Govt of India. The state-of-the-art Drone Lab fosters innovation in UAV applications for plantation crops, promoting research and sustainable practices. Equipped with advanced drones Centre of Excellence for Profiling and Bioactive Components focuses on exploring phytochemicals in cashew apples, nuts, kernels, shells, and leaves and data tools, it supports smart farming solutions. Additionally, the, with equipment including HPLC, GCMS, and UV-visible spectrophotometers.

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

During the event, Cashew Sprout Cookies were licensed to Mr. Radhakrishna, Proprietor of Nidhi Food Products, Puttur. Developed by Dr. Veena G.L., Scientist (Fruit Science), the cookies are a healthy, value-added product rich in protein, calcium, potassium, magnesium, and phosphorus, with no refined flour, added colors, or flavors. The program concluded with the felicitation of the dignitaries on the dais.

The state-of-the-art Drone Lab fosters innovation in