Important ICAR Institutes in India and Their Functions – Complete List

ICAR operates through a large network of specialised institutes working in areas such as crop science, soil management, livestock, dairy, fisheries, horticulture, agricultural engineering and conservation of genetic resources.

Key Highlights

• Full Form: Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR)
• Established: 16 July 1929
• Original Name: Imperial Council of Agricultural Research
• Headquarters: New Delhi
• Administrative Department: Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE)
• Ministry: Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare
• Main Role: Agricultural research, education, innovation and development
• Important ICAR Deemed Universities: IARI, NDRI, IVRI and CIFE

Important ICAR Institutes and Their Functions :

1. Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), New Delhi

Popularly known as the Pusa Institute, IARI is one of India’s leading agricultural research institutions. It works in crop sciences, genetics, soil sciences and agricultural engineering. The institute has made significant contributions to the development of high-yielding crop varieties and agricultural technologies.

2. National Dairy Research Institute (NDRI), Karnal

NDRI is a premier institute for dairy research and education. Its major areas include dairy breeding, animal nutrition, milk production, milk processing and dairy economics. The institute has also conducted important research in buffalo cloning and dairy animal genetics.

3. Indian Veterinary Research Institute (IVRI), Izatnagar

Established in 1889, IVRI is one of Asia’s oldest veterinary research institutions. It conducts research on animal health, veterinary diagnostics, livestock diseases, therapeutics and vaccine development. Its research covers diseases such as Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) and Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR).

4. Central Institute of Fisheries Education (CIFE), Mumbai

CIFE is a leading institution for fisheries education and research. Its work covers marine and freshwater aquaculture, fish genetics, breeding, fisheries technology and post-harvest management.

5. National Rice Research Institute (NRRI), Cuttack

NRRI focuses on rice breeding, biotechnology, physiology and crop protection. It develops rice varieties suited to different environmental conditions, including varieties with tolerance to drought, floods and soil salinity. The institute also maintains rice germplasm.

6. Central Potato Research Institute (CPRI), Shimla

CPRI specialises in potato breeding, seed technology, storage and crop protection. It works on the production of disease-free seed potatoes and uses modern techniques such as aeroponics and tissue culture.

7. Sugarcane Breeding Institute (SBI), Coimbatore

Established in 1912, the Sugarcane Breeding Institute focuses on the development of improved sugarcane varieties. Its research includes sugarcane breeding, disease resistance, sugar recovery and varieties suitable for different climatic conditions.

8. Central Soil Salinity Research Institute (CSSRI), Karnal

CSSRI conducts research on saline, alkaline and waterlogged soils. Its work includes soil reclamation, drainage management, improved farming practices and the development of crops capable of performing under salinity conditions.

9. Indian Institute of Soil Science (IISS), Bhopal

IISS conducts research in soil chemistry, soil microbiology and soil physics. It develops soil-testing technologies and works on soil fertility, nutrient management, soil organic carbon and efficient use of fertilisers.

National Bureaux for Genetic Resources :

National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources (NBPGR), New Delhi

NBPGR is responsible for the management and conservation of plant genetic resources. It maintains the National Gene Bank and conducts plant quarantine activities for imported seeds and other planting materials.

National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources (NBAGR), Karnal

NBAGR works on the identification, characterisation, registration and conservation of indigenous livestock and poultry breeds. It also maintains genetic material such as semen and DNA of important native breeds.

National Bureau of Fish Genetic Resources (NBFGR), Lucknow

NBFGR focuses on the conservation and management of fish genetic resources. Its activities include fish identification, DNA barcoding, gene banking, fish health research and conservation of endangered and endemic fish species.

National Bureau of Soil Survey and Land Use Planning (NBSS&LUP), Nagpur

NBSS&LUP conducts soil surveys, soil classification and land-use planning across different agro-ecological regions. It studies soil characteristics, land degradation and crop suitability and provides scientific information for sustainable land management.

Important ICAR Facts :

• IARI was originally established at Pusa, Bihar, in 1905 and later shifted to New Delhi.
• NDRI, Karnal has carried out pioneering research in dairy animal breeding and buffalo cloning.
• The Sugarcane Breeding Institute, Coimbatore, was established in 1912.
• IVRI was established in 1889 and is one of the oldest veterinary research institutions in Asia.
• NBPGR manages India’s plant genetic resources and the National Gene Bank.
• NBAGR is responsible for the registration and conservation of indigenous livestock and poultry breeds.
• NBFGR works for the conservation and characterisation of fish genetic resources.
• NBSS&LUP specialises in soil survey, soil classification and land-use planning.

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