On 6th November 2024, the Central Horticultural Experiment Station (CHES), ICAR-Indian Institute of Horticultural Research, Bhubaneswar commemorated its 32nd Foundation Day with great enthusiasm and pride. The celebrations commenced with the arrival of esteemed guests followed by a field visit to showcase recent developments at CHES. The formal program began with the ICAR song and a video presentation highlighting the accomplishments of CHES. A prayer song, "Ganesh Vandana," and the ceremonial watering of a holy tulsi plant set a reverent tone for the event.
Prof (Dr.) Tushar Kanti Behera, Director, ICAR-IIHR, Bengaluru, attended as the Chief Guest. The welcome address was delivered by Dr. Gobinda Chandra Acharya, Station Head of CHES, who shared recent achievements in varietal development, technology innovation, plant protection, and overall progress. Dr. Acharya also acknowledged the station's awards, publications, and the contributions of working staffs and former employees. He congratulated the promoted officers and newly joined staff.
Dr. Gourahari Naik, former head of CHES, graced the occasion as the Guest of Honour, reminiscing about the station's early days and its journey to becoming a respected research institution. Dr. Janmejaya Ray, Advocate at the Supreme Court and social worker, emphasized the importance of research for entrepreneurship development and highlighted the role of equality and progress in the nation’s growth. Dr. P. Srinivas, Principal Scientist, CHES, Bhubaneswar, extended congratulations to the entire team and outlined future initiatives to further the station's impact. Virtually connected Head of Divisions and scientists from IIHR, Bengaluru, also shared their support and celebrated ongoing progress of CHES, Bhubaneswar. Retired staff of CHES and scientists from ICAR-CTCRI, Bhubaneswar contributed by sharing their perspectives on CHES’s research advancements and achievements.
An award ceremony followed, where distinguished guests felicitated winners of sports events and acknowledged the contributions of local farmers to the horticulture sector. Dr. T.K. Behera, Chief Guest, delivered the presidential remarks, underscoring the critical role of horticultural research in national development. He shared insights on the adoption of IIHR technologies in North-eastern states, surpassing Odisha by a significant margin. He also addressed the employment landscape in the government sector and inspired young minds by showcasing examples of engineers who have successfully ventured into agribusiness, particularly in mushroom cultivation and post-harvest technology.
The event saw enthusiastic participation from over 120 attendees, including scientists from CTCRI, KVK personnel, SOADU students, CHES staffs, and virtually connected scientists from Bengaluru. The program was smoothly moderated by Mr. Manoj Pattanaik and Mrs. Suchitra Behera, Technical Officers of CHES, under the coordination of Dr. G.C. Acharya and various committee members. Dr. Satyapriya Singh, Scientist, CHES, Bhubaneswar, gave the Vote of Thanks, and the event concluded with the National Anthem. A cultural program featuring performances by CHES employees and SOADU students added a joyful conclusion to the day’s celebrations.
At the outset, the Deputy Director General (Ag. Edu), ICAR, New Delhi. Dr R C Agrawal made a visit to the experimental plots and other infrastructures along with Dr Tusar Kanti Behera, Director, ICAR-IIHR. He also discussed with all the scientists of the centre for improvement of the research work.
