Directorate of Floriculture Research (ICAR‑DFR) Celebrates 16th Foundation Day
_Pune, Maharashtra_ – 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.Honored ContributorsThe _Best Contributors in the Floriculture Industry_ were felicitated with certificates and mementos. The awardees included:- Aniket Choure (Tilekar Wadi, Haveli)- Suyog Chaudhary (Sortapwadi)- Dnyaneshwar Addhar, Vice‑President, Pawana Flower Growers Association,Maval- Suman Vasudev Kadam & Surekha Sudam Kadam- Anil Shinde of Ornamental Nursery- Pundalik Nimhan, Roserian of Pashan– Ganesh Kore and Sandeep Nawale from Sakal Agrovan Daily- Krishnakant Kowale from Pudhari Newspaper.Event Highlights Inaugural Session – Chief guest was *Dr. Sunil Bhagwat*, Director of the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER). – Dr. K. V. Prasad, Director of ICAR‑DFR, narrated how a 50‑acre barren land was transformed into flower beds with the help of scientists and workers over 15 years. Expert Speeches – Dr. Sunil Bhagwat emphasized the importance of fresh flowers in human life and India’s journey to becoming a leading exporter after the Green Revolution. – Dr. Vijay Mahajan, Director of the National Onion and Garlic Research Centre, highlighted the growing share of women in floriculture and urged using fresh flowers instead of plastic to protect the ecosystem.
Program Management: –
The event was anchored by Dr. Taraknath Saha. – Vote of thanks was delivered by Dr. Prashant Kavar. – Safety kits were distributed to all attendees by the Crop Care Foundation, New Delhi, with instructions to follow safety guidelines. Notable Guests
Dr. Anil Khar, Director, Indian Agricultural Research Council.Harish Mehta, Senior Advisor, Crop Care Foundation.Vivek Hosingkar Van rakshak- Forest Department.Dinesh Honmare Asistant Commissioner, Income Tax Department.The ceremony celebrated floriculture achievements, recognized farmer contributions, and stressed environmental sustainability through fresh flower use.
