Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI) is a premier national institute dedicated to advancing agricultural research, education, and extension services in India. Established in 1905 and situated in New Delhi, IARI is the country’s oldest and most renowned agricultural research institute, playing a pivotal role in shaping the Green Revolution and ensuring food security for the nation.

Introduction

IARI was founded under the auspices of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), an autonomous organization under the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Government of India. The institute serves as the nation’s premier center for agricultural research, education, and extension, contributing significantly to the development of sustainable agriculture practices and the advancement of agricultural sciences.

With its rich history, state-of-the-art facilities, and a team of highly qualified researchers and scientists, IARI has been at the forefront of agricultural innovation, driving the adoption of modern farming techniques and developing improved crop varieties and agricultural technologies.

Research and Development

IARI conducts extensive research across a wide range of disciplines related to agriculture, including crop improvement, plant genetics, soil science, entomology, plant pathology, agricultural engineering, and agricultural economics. The institute’s research initiatives are geared towards addressing the challenges faced by Indian agriculture, such as increasing crop productivity, developing climate-resilient varieties, improving soil health, managing pests and diseases, and promoting sustainable farming practices.

The institute’s research programs are organized into various divisions and centers, each focusing on specific areas of agricultural research. Some of the major divisions and centers include:

• Division of Genetics

  This division focuses on crop improvement through conventional breeding and modern biotechnological approaches, developing high-yielding, disease-resistant, and stress-tolerant crop varieties.

• Division of Agronomy

  This division conducts research on crop production practices, soil management, water management, and nutrient management, aiming to enhance crop productivity and resource efficiency.

• Division of Plant Pathology

  This division investigates plant diseases, develops diagnostic techniques, and formulates strategies for disease management, ensuring the protection of crops from pathogens.

• Division of Entomology

  This division focuses on the study of insect pests, their behavior, and their impact on crops, as well as developing integrated pest management strategies.

• Division of Agricultural Engineering

  This division conducts research on farm machinery, irrigation systems, post-harvest technologies, and agricultural structures, aiming to improve efficiency and reduce post-harvest losses.

Education and Training

In addition to its research endeavors, IARI plays a crucial role in agricultural education and training. The institute offers a range of undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs in various disciplines of agriculture, attracting students from across the country and abroad.

• Undergraduate Programs

  IARI offers Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) programs in various agricultural disciplines, including Agriculture, Horticulture, and Agricultural Engineering.

• Postgraduate Programs

  The institute offers Master of Science (M.Sc.) programs in a wide range of subjects, such as Genetics and Plant Breeding, Agronomy, Soil Science, Plant Pathology, Entomology, Agricultural Economics, and Agricultural Engineering.

• Doctoral Programs

  IARI provides opportunities for advanced research through its doctoral programs (Ph.D.) in various agricultural disciplines, contributing to the advancement of knowledge and the development of innovative solutions.

Additionally, IARI conducts numerous training programs, workshops, and extension activities to disseminate the latest agricultural technologies and best practices to farmers, extension workers, and other stakeholders in the agricultural sector.

Infrastructure and Facilities

IARI boasts state-of-the-art infrastructure and facilities to support its research and educational activities. The institute’s sprawling campus houses modern laboratories, greenhouses, experimental farms, animal husbandry units, and other specialized facilities.

• Laboratories

  IARI is equipped with cutting-edge laboratories for various disciplines, including molecular biology, biotechnology, soil analysis, plant pathology, entomology, and agricultural engineering. These laboratories are furnished with advanced instruments and equipment, enabling researchers to conduct cutting-edge experiments and analyses.

• Experimental Farms

  The institute maintains vast experimental farms and field stations, where researchers conduct field trials, evaluate crop performance, and develop sustainable farming practices. These facilities provide a controlled environment for conducting agricultural experiments and testing new technologies.

• Greenhouses and Plant Growth Facilities

  IARI houses state-of-the-art greenhouses and plant growth facilities, enabling researchers to study plant growth and development under controlled conditions. These facilities are crucial for crop improvement and the development of stress-tolerant plant varieties.

• Libraries and Information Resources

  The institute’s libraries and information resources centers house a vast collection of books, journals, databases, and other reference materials related to agriculture and allied sciences. These resources support research, education, and knowledge dissemination activities.

Collaborations and Partnerships

IARI actively collaborates with national and international research organizations, universities, and industries to foster knowledge exchange, joint research projects, and technology transfer. These collaborations facilitate the sharing of expertise, resources, and best practices, ultimately contributing to the advancement of agricultural sciences and the development of sustainable solutions.

The institute also works closely with state agricultural universities, extension services, and farmer organizations to disseminate research findings, provide technical guidance, and address the specific needs and challenges faced by farmers across different regions of the country.