Dr Himanshu Pathak, Secretary (DARE) and Director General (ICAR), inaugurated the Drone Technology lab and Horticulture lab of ICAR-Directorate of Cashew Research, Puttur, recently. He lauded the Director and scientists for creating outstanding infrastructure and research facilities and emphasized 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.

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.

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 and data tools, it supports smart farming solutions. Additionally, the Centre of Excellence for Profiling and Bioactive Components focuses on exploring phytochemicals in cashew apples, nuts, kernels, shells, and leaves, with equipment including HPLC, GCMS, and UV-visible spectrophotometers.

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.

(Source: ICAR-Directorate of Cashew Research, Puttur)