ICAR-CCRI Launches Citriसारथि 6.0 to Foster Youth Citripreneurship
On World Food Day, ICAR-Central Citrus Research Institute in Nagpur initiated Citriसारथि 6.0, aimed at promoting youth entrepreneurship in food processing.
Citriसारथि 6.0 program focuses on citripreneurship and innovation in food processing.
Innovative citrus-based products like Mandarin Nutri-Bar and Nutri-Yogurt were launched.
Over 30 students participated, enhancing their skills and knowledge in food technology.
On October 16, 2026, the ICAR-Central Citrus Research Institute (ICAR-CCRI) in Nagpur hosted the Citriसारथि 6.0 program, coinciding with World Food Day. This initiative aims to inspire the youth towards citripreneurship, highlighting opportunities in food processing, technological advancements, and enterprise development.
The event featured Dr. Atul Narayan Vaidya, Vice-Chancellor of LIT University, as the Chief Guest. He underscored the significance of innovation, skill enhancement, and discipline as essential traits for aspiring entrepreneurs. Dr. R. K. Sonkar, Director In-charge of ICAR-CCRI, also addressed the audience, advocating for the transformation of scientific discoveries into profitable businesses and encouraging young individuals to take on roles as job creators in the food processing sector.
A notable aspect of the ceremony was the introduction of two new citrus-based products: the Mandarin Nutri-Bar and Mandarin Nutri-Yogurt, developed by ICAR-CCRI. Additionally, a laboratory manual focusing on HPLC-based profiling of citrus phytochemicals was unveiled, contributing to the ongoing Government of India's Reform Utsav, which runs from September 17 to October 17, 2026.
The program included a technical session where industry experts, scientists, and academics shared insights with participants. Attendees were given a tour of the institute's research and processing facilities, enhancing their understanding of the practical applications of their studies.
The Citriसारथि 6.0 program attracted over 30 students from the Department of Food Technology at LIT University, alongside faculty and ICAR-CCRI scientists. This initiative reinforces ICAR-CCRI's dedication to fostering youth-led innovations and strengthening collaborations between academia and industry, aligning with India's vision for a developed nation by 2047.
