DIVYA

DHAWAN
B. ED, II YEAR,
SECTION-C, JMI,

IARI REPORT (2021-23)

GARDENING
 ABOUT IARI

The journey of Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), popularly known as Pusa
Institute, began in 1905 at Pusa (Bihar) with the generous grant of 30,000 pounds from an
American philanthropist, Mr. Henry Phipps. The institute was then known as Agricultural
Research Institute (ARI) which functioned with five departments, namely Agriculture, Cattle
Breeding, Chemistry, Economic Botany and Mycology. Bacteriology unit was added in 1907.
The name of ARI was changed to Imperial Institute of Agricultural Research in 1911 and, in
1919 it was renamed as Imperial Agricultural Research Institute. Following a devastating
earthquake on 15th January 1934, the institute was shifted to Delhi on 29th July 1936. Post
independence, the institute has been renamed as Indian Agricultural Research Institute
(IARI).

Mission

To explore new frontiers of science and develop human resources to provide the leadership
in technology development and policy guidance for vibrant and resilient agriculture, which
should be productive, eco-friendly, sustainable, economically profitable, and socially
equitable. To accomplish this mission, the Institute has adopted the following mandates:

 
 Basic, strategic, and anticipatory research in field and horticultural crops for
enhanced productivity and quality.
 Research in frontier areas to develop resource use efficient integrated crop
management technologies for the sustainable agricultural production system.
 Serve as a Centre for academic excellence in the areas of post-graduate education
and human resources development in agricultural science.
 Provide national leadership in agricultural research, education, extension and
technology assessment and transfer by developing new concepts and approaches
and serving as a national reference point for quality and standards.
 A TRIP TO THE INDIAN AGRICULTURAL
RESEARCH INSTITUTE

The closest botanical garden to New Delhi, India is the Indian Agricultural Research
Institute Botanical Garden, also known as the IARI Botanical Garden. It is in the Pusa
campus of the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI) in New Delhi.

► We city dwellers have always had this misconception that farmers are ‘backward’,
‘poor’ or even oblivious to the ever-changing world. But this trip to the ‘Pusa Krishi
Mela’ really opened our eyes! First, we realised that the farmers are actually as
tuned to technology as we are. From laser –land levellers, to insects which got rid
of pests better than any pesticide that money can buy, to genetically-modified
carrots named ‘Napoleon’(ring any bells?) farmers are becoming more and more
self-sufficient by each day.

► This fair was a way to educate and empower farmers about different, efficient, and
more productive techniques to farming. We learnt about the different types of
machinery, techniques and various ways farmers try to bring food to our plate. Each
stall had some fragment of knowledge to offer, and we ransacked each stall for their
pamphlets leaving them bare and empty! But hey, how often do you get to see
 abundance of colour in only one flower? We saw a flower which smelt and looked
like a rose, but it wasn’t one!

► We saw how technology and advancements have improved and have matched the
growing needs of today’s world. Packed with more nutrients and proteins each
‘vegetable sure packed a punch’!

► The IARI Botanical Garden is a lush and peaceful oasis, featuring a diverse collection
of plants and trees from around the world, including a large collection of orchids
and bonsai plants. The garden is beautifully landscaped, with pathways winding
through the trees and along a small lake, offering visitors a chance to escape the
hustle and bustle of the city.

► Admission to the IARI Botanical Garden is free of charge. Visitors are welcome to
explore the garden at their leisure and enjoy the beautiful surroundings. It's a
popular spot for picnicking, bird watching, and just taking in the sights and sounds of
nature.

► Farmers already have access to one variety, and the institute is presently working on
developing more and the country is better equipped to continue feeding its citizens
despite the increasing global warming.