ICAR-Directorate of Onion and Garlic Research (ICAR-DOGR), Pune, organized the 17th Annual Group Meeting (AGM) of the All India Network Research Project on Onion & Garlic (AINRPOG) at Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth, Rahuri during 12–13 May 2026. This national event brought together scientists, researchers, extension personnel, and stakeholders from across the country to deliberate on recent advances and future strategies for onion and garlic research and development. The inaugural session commenced with floral welcome, lighting of the lamp, invocation, and felicitation of dignitaries. Dr. P.S. Bodake, Director of Research, MPKV, Rahuri, welcomed the dignitaries and participants. Dr. Ram Dutta, Director (A), ICAR-DOGR, Pune, presented the Project Director’s Report highlighting achievements and future roadmap of AINRPOG. Eminent dignitaries, including Dr. K.E. Lawande, Former Vice Chancellor, DBSKKV, Dapoli; Dr. Vijay Mahajan, Former Director, ICAR-DOGR, Pune; Dr. Vikramaditya Pandey, Principal Scientist (Horticulture), ICAR, New Delhi, shared their valuable insights on strengthening onion and garlic research in India. Dr Vilas Kharche, Vice Chancellor, MPKV, Rahuri, delivered the Presidential Address emphasizing collaborative research and technology dissemination for enhancing productivity, sustainability, and farmers’ income. Publications of MPKV and ICAR-DOGR were also released during the inaugural session.

The technical deliberations covered major thematic areas, including performance evaluation and action taken reports, genetic resources and crop improvement, crop production, crop protection, formulation of technical programmes, and stakeholders’ interface. Scientists from ICAR-DOGR and cooperating centres presented research findings on varietal development, germplasm evaluation, breeding strategies, nutrient and water management, sustainable production technologies, integrated pest and disease management, and region-specific production constraints in onion and garlic. Discussions also focused on future research priorities under the coordinated network programme, emphasizing climate resilience, resource-use efficiency, quality seed production, and technology dissemination to farmers.

The stakeholders’ interface session highlighted farmer-centric interventions under SCSP, TSP, and NEH programmes, with emphasis on inclusive development, extension outreach, and strengthening linkages among research institutions, developmental agencies, and growers. During the plenary session, rapporteurs presented key recommendations and action points emerging from the technical sessions. The meeting underscored the need for collaborative and demand-driven research to enhance the productivity, profitability, sustainability, and export competitiveness of onion and garlic in India.

At the end, Dr Ram Dutta proposed a formal vote of thanks to all dignitaries, including Drs. P.S. Naik, B.P. Singh, S.B. Kharbade, and G.K. Sasane, for their valuable guidance and support in the successful organisation of the AGM. He also extended his gratitude to the Council for granting permission to hold AGM through Dr M.L. Jat, Secretary (DARE) & Director General (ICAR); Dr S.K. Singh, DDG (HS); Dr Sudhakar Pandey, ADG (FVS & MP), ICAR, New Delhi. The meeting concluded with the playing of the National Anthem and a renewed commitment to advancing onion and garlic research for the benefit of farmers and the country's horticulture sector