National Dairy Research Institute (NDRI), Karnal – India’s Premier Dairy Research University
The National Dairy Research Institute (NDRI), established in 1955 and located in Karnal, Haryana, is India’s premier institute for dairy science and technology. Operating under the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), it has held Deemed University status since 1989, enabling it to offer advanced education and training in dairy and animal sciences.NDRI’s origins trace back to 1923, when it was first established in Bangalore as the Imperial Institute of Animal Husbandry & Dairying. After its relocation to Karnal, the institute grew into a national center of excellence in animal breeding, milk processing, dairy engineering, and livestock production. With cutting-edge research, state-of-the-art labs, and a modern dairy plant, NDRI plays a key role in enhancing India’s dairy productivity, food security, and rural livelihoods.
Objectives of NDRI
- Improving cattle and buffalo breeding via genetics and assisted reproductive technologies
- Developing quality feeds and sustainable feeding strategies
- Advancing dairy processing technologies and new dairy products
- Providing veterinary care, animal health, and extension services to farmers portal.nifa.usda.govndri.res.in
Research Achievements
- Developed high-yield breeds such as Karan Swiss and Karan Fries, combining Sahiwal and Holstein genetics.
- Advanced assisted reproductive technologies like artificial insemination, IVF, embryo transfer, OPU, and sexed semen .
- Led national projects on cattle nutrition, heat-resistant breeds, and dairy product innovation.
- Faculty publish in leading veterinary and dairy journals and lead ICAR-funded initiatives ScienceDirect+3ndri.res.in+3Comptroller and Auditor General of India+3.
Facilities and Services
The National Dairy Research Institute provides advanced research infrastructure and services, including:
- Modern dairy processing plants and pilot-scale testing units
- AI, IVF, ET, and OPU facilities for genetic improvement
- Feed quality testing and nutritional labs.
- Veterinary clinics for disease management and vaccination.
- Outreach and extension centers for farmer training and field adoption.
- Collaborations with institutes like UMass Amherst and others.
Education and Training
NDRI offers undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs in Dairy Technology, Animal Genetics & Breeding, Livestock Production, Microbiology, Dairy Chemistry, and Food Engineering. The institute emphasizes training in areas like animal breeding, feed technology, dairy farm management, and extension education. It also conducts short-term courses for dairy professionals through its Training & Entrepreneurship Development Centre Comptroller and Auditor General of India.
Extension & Outreach
- On-farm AI and veterinary services for cows and buffaloes
- Farmer training camps, demos, and vaccination drives
- Collaborations with state departments to enhance dairy production at the grassroots level ndri.res.in+1ndri.res.in+1ndri.res.in
- Projects in nutrition, cattle care, and farm management leverage digital tools and field delivery to benefit smallholder farmers.
Leadership & Partnerships
- Leadership: The National Dairy Research Institute (NDRI) is led by the Director, who oversees the institute’s strategic vision, academic leadership, and national dairy policy alignment under the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR). Supporting the Director is a team of experienced scientists, deans, and heads of divisions specializing in dairy production, animal genetics, nutrition, and dairy technology. Their combined leadership drives innovation, research excellence, and capacity building to advance India’s dairy sector sustainably.
- Partnerships: NDRI partners with national and international organizations to strengthen dairy science and rural livelihoods. Key collaborators include the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), various State Animal Husbandry Departments, NDDB (National Dairy Development Board), and private dairy enterprises. International linkages with FAO, ILRI, and global universities facilitate research exchange, training, and joint projects. These partnerships help scale innovations, enhance breed improvement programs, and deliver farmer-centric dairy solutions across India.
Contact Information
- Address: National Dairy Research Institute (NDRI) Karnal – 132001, Haryana, India.
- Email: ndri.karnal@icar.gov.in
- Website: https://ndri.res.in
Conclusion
NDRI’s over 65-year legacy in dairy science establishes it as a national leader in breeding, nutrition, processing, and extension. It blends traditional practices with modern biotech to empower India’s dairy sector. With robust academic programs, farmer outreach, and industry partnerships, NDRI continues to enhance productivity, sustainability, and livelihoods in India’s dairy ecosystem.