The National Science Day 2026 was celebrated with great enthusiasm at ICAR-CPCRI, Kasaragod, on 27 February 2026.

Dr. K. Balachandra Hebbar, Director of CPCRI, delivered the presidential address, highlighting the institute's achievements. He felt that impactful outcomes are achieved when there is strong demand from stakeholders. He expressed the institute’s interest in fostering collaborations to disseminate CPCRI-developed technologies at nominal costs. Dr. Hebbar also He emphasized the critical importance of maintaining soil health to sustain agricultural productivity. During the day, he inaugurated Industrial Meet. About 250 participants took part in the Industrial Meet. The products of entrepreneurs were displayed during the occasion.

The Technical Session followed the inaugural session, in which there were five expert talks were delivered.
1. Dr. TS Manojkumar, Head of KVK, presented on farm research opportunities in Kasaragod. He outlined several key opportunities.
2. Dr. S. Jayasekhar provided an overview of CPCRI’s technology portfolio, covering various varieties and non-food technologies.
3. Dr. Hima John elaborated on CPCRI’s food products and related innovations.
4. Mr. Alfin Santhosh, Business Development Manager at APEDA, Kochi, explained APEDA’s role and export facilitation.
5. Ms. Aparna K., Agricultural Officer at Canara Bank, spoke on credit support mechanisms available for agri-based enterprises and startups.
6. Mr. Sajith Kumar, General Manager of District Industries Centre (DIC) Kasaragod, outlined support schemes and facilitation services for agri-entrepreneurs.
7. Dr. Yogendra N.D., Principal Scientist at CSIR-CIMAP, Regional Office, Bengaluru discussed the potential for cultivating medicinal and aromatic plants for entrepreneurship.

The event featured an MoU exchange involving: Dr. Radhakrishnan, Head, KVK Kozhikode, with Kalpa Vardhini, Sajan K, South Malabar Enterprises with Kalpa Vardhini, and Sushama, KV Thaliparamba, for carbonated tender coconut water.

The program included an inspiring experience-sharing session by a successful entrepreneur, Smt. T.K. Annamma of M/s Eco Flav enterprises.

There was also a ‘Technology Clinic’ session organized by the DIC for enriching the entrepreneurs on the industrialization and technical aspects.

The event commenced with a welcome address by Dr. K. Ponnusamy, Head of the Social Science division. The event concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Dr. K.P. Chandran.