CONTENTS
- Indian Agricultural Research Institute
- National Technology Day
Indian Agricultural Research Institute
Context:
The Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI) recently introduced a new high-yielding wheat seed variety, HD 3386.
Relevance:
GS III: Agriculture
Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI):
Overview:
- The Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI) is the largest and foremost institute in India dedicated to research, higher education, and training in agricultural sciences.
- Located in Delhi, it operates under the administration of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR).
History:
- Establishment: Founded in 1905 at Pusa, Bihar, with a generous grant from American philanthropist Henry Phipps.
- Early Years: Initially known as the Agricultural Research Institute (ARI), it operated with five departments covering various agricultural aspects.
- Name Changes: Renamed as the Imperial Institute of Agricultural Research in 1911, and later as the Imperial Agricultural Research Institute in 1919.
- Relocation: Moved to Delhi following a devastating earthquake in 1934.
- Post-Independence: Renamed as the Indian Agricultural Research Institute after India gained independence.
- Status: Attained deemed university status in 1958.
Mandate:
- Basic and strategic research in field and horticultural crops to enhance productivity and quality.
- Development of resource-efficient integrated crop management technologies for sustainable agricultural production systems.
- Academic excellence in post-graduate and human resources development in agricultural science.
- Leadership in agricultural research, education, extension, and technology assessment and transfer, serving as a national referral point for quality and standards.
Contributions:
- “Green Revolution”: IARI played a pivotal role in the research leading to the Green Revolution in India during the 1970s, which significantly increased agricultural productivity and transformed the country’s agricultural landscape.
National Technology Day
Context:
National Technology Day is celebrated on May 11th every year.
Relevance:
GS: Facts for Prelims
National Technology Day
- National Technology Day is celebrated on May 11th every year to commemorate India’s technological achievements and innovations.
- The day is observed by the Technology Development Board (TDB), a statutory body of the Department of Science & Technology (DST).
Historical Perspective:
May 11th has a historical significance as it marks three significant technological achievements in India:
- In 1998, India successfully conducted nuclear tests at Pokhran.
- The first indigenous aircraft “Hansa-3” was test flown at Bangalore on the same day.
- India also performed successful test firing of the Trishul missile on May 11, 1998.
Celebrating National Technology Day:
- Since 1999, National Technology Day is celebrated annually to recognize and celebrate India’s technological prowess, scientific innovations, and technological excellence.
- It is a day to acknowledge the contribution of engineers, scientists, and innovators in advancing technology and transforming the nation.
