Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), New Delhi – India’s Premier Agricultural Research Hub
What is IARI?
The Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), popularly known as the Pusa Institute, is the flagship agricultural research institution of India, functioning under the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR). Originally established in April 1905 at Pusa, Bihar, the institute was relocated to New Delhi in 1936 after a major earthquake. Since then, IARI has grown into a globally recognized center of excellence for agricultural science and innovation.
IARI is the cradle of India’s Green Revolution, having contributed significantly to the development of high-yielding crop varieties, advanced agricultural technologies, and transformative education. With its sprawling 500-acre campus, cutting-edge laboratories, highly ranked academic programs, and national outreach, IARI plays a pivotal role in ensuring food security, supporting farmers, and guiding agricultural policy.
From crop improvement and soil science to biotechnology, climate-resilient agriculture, and rural development, IARI remains at the forefront of scientific breakthroughs and sustainable solutions in Indian agriculture.
Objectives of IARI
- Conduct advanced agricultural research
- Develop and disseminate improved crop varieties
- Guide agri-policy and support national food security
- Promote sustainable and climate-resilient farming
- Build human capacity through education and extension
Vision and Mission
- Vision: To lead sustainable, science-based, and globally competitive agriculture for food, nutrition, and livelihood security.
- Mission: To develop technologies, build capacity, and provide policy support for India’s agricultural development.
Research Achievements of IARI
- Developed 100+ high-yielding crop varieties.
- Played a central role in India’s Green Revolution.
- Recipient of top ICAR and national institutional awards.
- Ranked among the top agri-research institutes in Asia.
- Pioneered research in plant breeding, soil science, biotechnology, and seed technology.
Facilities and Services
- Technology Access: Startups receive licensing rights to IIHR’s ready-to-commercialize horticulture technologies.
- Business Incubation: Handholding through all stages—pre-incubation, incubation, and acceleration.
- Mentorship: One-on-one guidance from IIHR scientists, industry mentors, and business advisors.
- Funding Linkages: Access to seed funds, government grants, and VC networks (RKVY-RAFTAAR, DST-SEED, etc.).
- Infrastructure: Fully equipped R&D labs, climate-controlled demo farms, packaging units, and post-harvest facilities.
- Market Connect: Buyer-seller meets, exposure visits, investor pitching, and market linkage programs.
Education and Programs
- Undergraduate (B.Sc Agri) through affiliated colleges.
- Postgraduate (M.Sc) and Doctoral (Ph.D.) programs in 20+ disciplines.
- Specialized diplomas and training for national and international scholars.
- Admission through ICAR’s AIEEA (PG/PhD) exams.
Extension & Outreach
- Startup Cohorts: Regular incubation cohorts for early-stage startups across India.
- Innovation Challenges: Problem statements launched to crowdsource disruptive agri-tech ideas.
- Capacity Building: Trainings on entrepreneurship, business model development, marketing, and IP.
- Partnership Events: Collaborations with other AICs, SAUs, and agribusiness forums.
Contact Information
- Address: BESST-HORT Incubator ICAR – Indian Institute of Horticultural Research (IIHR) Hesaraghatta Lake Post, Bengaluru – 560089, Karnataka, India.
- Email: director@iari.res.in
- Website: https://www.iari.res.in
Conclusion
The Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI) stands as the pillar of India’s agricultural R&D, capacity building, and policy leadership. From ushering in the Green Revolution to empowering the next generation of agri-innovators, IARI continues to shape the future of sustainable and scientific farming in India.