Indian Agriculture Research Institute (IARI) provides national leadership in agricultural research. It conducts basic and strategic research to understand the process in all its complexity and undertakes need-based research, which will lead to crop improvement and sustained agriculture productivity in harmony with the environment. Developing new concepts and approaches is a priority at the institute.

Over the years, IARI has not only developed innumerable technologies but has also delivered quality technical workforce, which is driving the Indian agricultural sector.

Dr N Nagarajan, director IARI, said, "Whatever we have achieved is now a part of golden history. Presently, we are focused on achieving new goals through innovative ideas and techniques." "Apart from conducting research in crop management, we are trying to serve as a centre for academic excellence in the area of post-graduate education and human resources development in agricultural sciences," he added.

"Biotechnology provides the tools, which can help scientist in doing research in a reduced time frame. Way back in 1985, only IARI had taken the initiative in this field by establishing the Center for Plant Biotechnology," he said.

The National Research Centre for Plant Biotechnology was established with the objective of undertaking research, teaching and training personnel in the modern areas of molecular biology and biotechnology. Situated in the heart of Pusa Institute, the center is headed by Dr K Koundal. Explaining the role of the center, Dr Koundal said, "Since its inception, the center has acquired a high degree of scientific competence and excellent research facilities. The centre is working towards the national priorities of increased agricultural productivity and sustainability."

He added, "we are working on basic plant molecular biology for understanding molecular mechanisms underlying essential biological processes. We also work towards advancement of agricultural development in India. Our ultimate aim is to serve as a national lead center for plant molecular biology and biotechnology research."

The seed of Indian green revolution was sown and nurtured at IARI. Commenting on this Dr NN Singh, joint director research, IARI, said, "Its always motivating that our Institute is the flagship of Indian green revolution. There was a time when more than 70 percent of the total wheat grown on Indian soil was from IARI developed varieties. Even as of today, almost 50 percent of varieties of vegetables and flowers are developed at IARI. This percentage in cereals is somewhere around 30 to 35 percent." "Since there is no specific data available on this, so it is difficult to mention a figure for other crops with an authority," he added.

Speaking on the status of transgenics at IARI, he said, "We are working on transgenics at a fast pace. Soon we will be bringing out transgenic tomato, rice, brinjal and cotton. These crops are on their way to be transferred to the industry."

IARI has an "Advance Center for Plant Virology", which was established in 1988. Heading the center is Dr Anupam Varma, national professor, who is known for his energy, charm and dedication. "At the center we are developing strategies to fight with viruses. Since plants do not have an immune system so the effect of viruses on plants is more. We are identifying the viruses and developing resistance in plants," he said.

"We have developed transgenic tomato, which is about to come in the market. We are also working on transgenic papaya, watermelon and cucumber," Dr Varma added.

"In addition, we are working on a diagnostic kit for plants. Soon we are coming out with transgenic plant diagnostic kit for plant viruses. This would be a great breakthrough in diagnostics plant tissue culture. The 'National Facility for Quality and Virus Testing for Tissue Culture Raised Plants' is also a unique program at our centre. It is a DBT funded project."

Though there are many departments and divisions at IARI, but there is a common bond amongst all of them, which is to make the Indian agriculture scenario better and better. And every researcher, doctor and their respective departments are working to achieve this goal.