CONTENTS

1. Indian Agricultural Research Institute
2. 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.