The ICAR has restructured the mandate of all ICAR institutes recently. Accordingly the mandate of ICAR-DFR is as follows.

• To conduct basic, strategic and applied research to enhance sustainable productivity, quality and utilization of ornamental crops.
• To develop a repository of genetic resources and scientific information on ornamental crops.
• To transfer technology, capacity building and impact assessment of technologies.
• Coordinate research and validation of technologies through AICRP on Floriculture.

To carry out research, impart education, conduct out-reach programmes in floriculture and landscaping with national and international partners for enhancing the production, productivity, profitability besides alleviating the rural poverty.

To harness the research and development activities in flower crops and landscape gardening for promotion of domestic and export markets.