The Clean Plant Center (CPC) at ICAR-CITH Srinagar is a specialized state-of-the-art facility dedicated to the production, maintenance, and distribution of disease-free, high-quality planting materials for temperate fruit crops. By utilizing advanced virus-indexing, tissue culture, and molecular diagnostic techniques, the center ensures that farmers and nurseries receive elite germplasm that is completely free from debilitating pathogens. The CPC plays a critical role in rejuvenating regional orchards, enhancing crop yields, and supporting the sustainable, long-term economic growth of the horticulture sector throughout the Himalayan region.

Vision

The vision of ICAR-CITH is to improve the livelihood and economic security of farmers in the temperate regions through research, development, and the adoption of sustainable farming technologies.

Mandates

• To act as national repository of germplasm & scientific information on temperate horticultural crops.
• To undertake basic, strategic and applied research on temperate horticultural crops in collaboration with national and international agencies to enhance productivity and quality.

Objectives

Germplasm Management

Establishment of field gene bank and management of genetic resources and scientific data base of temperate horticultural crops.

Genetic Improvement

Genetic improvement of temperate horticultural crops for yield, maturity, quality, resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses through conventional breeding methods and biotechnological tools.

Nursery Management

Standardization of nursery management and high-tech propagation techniques of temperate horticultural crops.