India has emerged as a global leader in agriculture and allied sectors due to the efforts taken by the research institutions. From crop improvement to animal sciences, soil health to farm mechanization, these institutes are playing a crucial role in modernizing Indian agriculture. Below is the list of important Agricultural Research Institutes in India.
Agricultural Research Institutes
Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR)
- Location: New Delhi
- Established: 1929
- Website: https://icar.org.in
About:
ICAR is the apex body responsible for coordinating, guiding, and managing research and education in agriculture and allied fields in India. It operates under the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Government of India. ICAR oversees 113 institutes and 75 agricultural universities, making it one of the world’s largest national agricultural systems.
Key Contributions:
- Formulated the National Agricultural Research System
- Played a crucial role in India’s Green Revolution
- Supports agricultural innovations, policy-making, and extension services
- Conducts All India Entrance Exams for UG/PG/PhD agriculture programs
Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI)
- Location: Pusa, New Delhi
- Established: 1905
- Website: https://www.iari.res.in
About:
Also known as the Pusa Institute, because initially this institute was located in Pusa, Bihar. It was renamed as the Imperial Agricultural Research Institute in 1919, following a major earthquake in Pusa in 1934, it was relocated to Delhi in 1936. IARI is India’s most prestigious agricultural research and postgraduate education institute. It led the Green Revolution by developing high-yielding varieties of wheat and rice.
Key Contributions:
- Developed wheat varieties like Kalyan Sona & HD-2967
- Advanced research in genetics, plant breeding, biotechnology
- Offers M.Sc. and Ph.D. degrees in 26 disciplines
- Publishes high-quality agricultural journals
Indian Veterinary Research Institute (IVRI)
- Location: Izatnagar, Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh
- Established: 1889
- Website: https://www.ivri.nic.in
About:
IVRI is a pioneer in veterinary education and research. It is one of the oldest institutes in the country dedicated to animal health, livestock productivity, and veterinary science.
Key Contributions:
- Vaccine development for animal diseases (e.g., Foot-and-Mouth Disease)
- Advanced research in veterinary pharmacology and microbiology
- Offers UG (BVSc), PG, and Ph.D. programs
- Extensive diagnostic, clinical, and outreach services
ICAR – National Rice Research Institute (NRRI)
- Formerly: Central Rice Research Institute (CRRI)
- Location: Cuttack, Odisha
- Established: 1946
- Website: https://icar-nrri.in
About:
NRRI is India’s leading rice research institute. It focuses on developing climate-resilient, high-yielding, and pest-resistant rice varieties to ensure food security.
Key Contributions:
- Introduced rice varieties like Naveen, CR Dhan 310
- Focused research on rice hybridization, nutrition, and soil-water management
- Conducts farmer training and extension programs in eastern India
Indian Institute of Pulses Research (IIPR)
- Location: Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh
- Established: 1983
- Website: https://iipr.icar.gov.in
About:
IIPR is dedicated to basic, strategic, and applied research on major pulse crops. The institute develops appropriate production and protection technologies and coordinates pulse research through a network of testing centers across India.
Key Contributions:
- Developed disease-resistant and high-yielding pulse varieties
- Research on biofortification and nitrogen fixation
- Provides seed hubs and training programs for farmers
Central Institute for Subtropical Horticulture (CISH)
- Location: Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh
- Established: 1972
- Website: https://cish.icar.gov.in
About:
Initially started as the Central Mango Research Station, CISH focuses on research and development of subtropical fruits like mango and guava. The institute was upgraded to a full-fledged institute in 1984 and contributes significantly to horticultural advancements.
Key Contributions:
- Developed new mango varieties like ‘Amrapali’, ‘Mallika’
- Research on fruit preservation, pest control, organic farming
- Works on post-harvest management to reduce losses
National Dairy Research Institute (NDRI)
- Location: Karnal, Haryana
- Established: 1923
- Website: https://ndri.res.in
About:
NDRI is India’s premier institute for dairy research. Originally established in Bangalore, it was shifted to Karnal in 1955. The institute has been instrumental in dairy education and research, contributing to India’s status as the world’s largest milk producer.
Key Contributions:
- Developed technologies for milk processing and cattle breeding
- Provides B.Tech (Dairy Tech), M.Tech, and Ph.D. programs
- Runs model dairy farms and extension units
Indian Institute of Soil Science (IISS)
- Location: Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh
- Established: 1988
- Website: https://iiss.icar.gov.in
About:
IISS focuses on advanced research in soil sciences, aiming to enhance soil productivity with minimal environmental degradation. The institute conducts research on soil testing, nutrient management, and sustainable land use practices.
Key Contributions:
- Soil fertility mapping of India
- Studies on organic carbon sequestration
- Promotes balanced fertilizer usage and organic practices
Indian Institute of Farming Systems Research (IIFSR)
- Location: Modipuram, Meerut, Uttar Pradesh
- Established: 2009
- Website: https://iifsr.icar.gov.in
About:
IIFSR is dedicated to the development and promotion of integrated farming systems that combine crops, livestock, poultry, and aquaculture. The institute aims to enhance farm productivity and sustainability through diversified farming practices.
Key Contributions:
- Models for organic farming and sustainable intensification
- Research on climate-resilient farming
- Collaborates with KVKs to educate farmers
Central Institute of Fisheries Education (CIFE)
- Location: Mumbai, Maharashtra
- Established: 1961
- Website: https://cife.edu.in
About:
CIFE is a premier institution for fisheries education and research. It offers postgraduate and doctoral programs in fisheries science and has been instrumental in developing skilled human resources for the fisheries sector.
Key Contributions:
- Training for fish farmers and entrepreneurs
- Development of improved aquaculture technologies
- Affiliated to ICAR and recognized as a Deemed University