The ICAR–Central Institute of Temperate Horticulture (CITH) is mandated to advance research, technology development, and capacity building for sustainable temperate horticulture in the Himalayan and hill regions of India. The Institute addresses key regional challenges including climate variability, productivity enhancement, quality planting material, and pest and disease management in temperate fruit and vegetable systems.

In recent years, ICAR–CITH has made notable contributions through the development and release of improved varieties of apple, walnut, onion, and garlic, along with technologies such as high-density apple production and intensive saffron cultivation, which have been widely adopted under national programmes. The Institute has also contributed to evidence-based planning by providing technical inputs for the horticulture development roadmap of Jammu & Kashmir.

Aligned with the national Vision 2047, the Institute is focusing on enhancing farm incomes, improving nutritional security, and promoting climate-resilient horticultural systems. Its interventions support Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) and SDG 13 (Climate Action), through productivity enhancement and climate-smart practices.

ICAR–CITH promotes improved varieties, elite rootstocks, scientific orchard management, integrated pest and disease management, and post-harvest technologies, contributing to improved productivity, quality, and market returns. The Institute’s headquarters at Srinagar and regional stations at Mukteshwar and Dirang facilitate region-specific research and effective technology dissemination across diverse agro-ecologies.

The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) is an autonomous apex body under the Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE), Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Government of India. Established on 16 July 1929 (formerly as the Imperial Council of Agricultural Research), ICAR has its headquarters in New Delhi.

ICAR is responsible for coordinating, guiding, and managing research and education in agriculture and allied sectors, including horticulture, fisheries, and animal sciences across the country. With a network of 113 ICAR institutes and 74 agricultural universities, it represents one of the largest national agricultural research systems globally.

The Council has played a pivotal role in transforming Indian agriculture, notably through the Green Revolution and subsequent technological advancements, contributing significantly to national food and nutritional security. Over the decades, ICAR-led research and innovations have resulted in substantial increases in the production of foodgrains, horticultural crops, fish, milk, and eggs.

ICAR continues to drive advancements in frontier areas of agricultural science and technology, with its scientists contributing to globally recognized research and innovations.

The Department of Science & Technology (DST), Government of India, established in 1971, is the nodal agency for promoting, coordinating, and supporting science and technology activities in the country. It is responsible for policy formulation, fostering emerging areas of research, supporting R&D, and strengthening national S&T infrastructure and capacity. The Department facilitates interdisciplinary coordination, supports scientific institutions and innovation systems, and promotes technology development, commercialization, and entrepreneurship. It also plays a key role in international S&T cooperation, grassroots technology dissemination, and the application of science and technology for socio-economic development and national priorities.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD), under the Ministry of Earth Sciences, Government of India, is the principal national agency responsible for meteorological observations, weather forecasting, and seismology. Headquartered in New Delhi, IMD operates an extensive network of observation stations across India and Antarctica, supported by regional centres located in Chennai, Mumbai, Kolkata, Nagpur, Guwahati, and New Delhi.

IMD serves as one of the six Regional Specialised Meteorological Centres of the World Meteorological Organization and is responsible for forecasting, naming, and issuing warnings for tropical cyclones over the North Indian Ocean region, including the Bay of Bengal, Arabian Sea, and adjoining areas.

The Department maintains a comprehensive observational and monitoring system comprising surface and upper-air stations, radar networks, and specialized observatories, supplemented by satellite data from national space platforms. It also collaborates with key national institutions for advanced weather and climate services and operates seismic monitoring centres for earthquake observations. Through its nationwide network of forecasting offices and specialized units, IMD plays a critical role in weather services, disaster risk reduction, and climate-related decision support in India....