Overview
The Indian Institute of Horticultural Research (IIHR) is a public research institute located at Hessaraghatta, on the outskirts of Bengaluru in the Indian state of Karnataka. It functions under the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), the apex body for coordinating agricultural research and education in India under the Department of Agricultural Research and Education, Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare. IIHR is engaged in basic, strategic and applied research on horticultural crops including fruits, vegetables, ornamental plants, medicinal and aromatic plants, mushrooms, and plantation and spice crops.
Key facts
| Name | Indian Institute of Horticultural Research |
|---|---|
| Abbreviation | IIHR |
| Type | Public research institute |
| Parent body | Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) |
| Field | Horticulture |
| Headquarters | Hessaraghatta, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India |
| Country | India |
Background
Horticulture occupies an important place in Indian agriculture, with India being among the largest producers of fruits and vegetables in the world. IIHR was established to serve as the country's principal centre for horticultural research, providing scientific support for crop improvement, production, protection and post-harvest management. The institute develops improved varieties and hybrids, production technologies, integrated pest and disease management practices, and post-harvest technologies suited to Indian agro-climatic conditions.
Campus and infrastructure
The main campus at Hessaraghatta houses laboratories, experimental fields, orchards, glasshouses, tissue culture facilities and a gene bank for horticultural germplasm. The institute also operates regional stations and centres in different agro-climatic zones of India to address location-specific research needs. A National Bureau of horticultural germplasm work and crop-specific units are maintained at the campus.
Research divisions
Research at IIHR is organised into divisions and sections covering the principal groups of horticultural crops and supporting disciplines. These typically include:
- Fruit crops
- Vegetable crops
- Floriculture and medicinal crops
- Plant genetic resources and biotechnology
- Plant physiology and biochemistry
- Entomology and nematology
- Plant pathology
- Soil science and agricultural chemistry
- Post-harvest technology and value addition
- Social sciences and training
Activities
The institute releases improved varieties and hybrids of mango, grape, banana, papaya, guava, citrus, tomato, chilli, onion, brinjal, okra, beans, rose, chrysanthemum and several other crops. It develops integrated production and protection packages, biofertilisers, biopesticides and post-harvest products, many of which are transferred to farmers and entrepreneurs through licensing and technology demonstration programmes. IIHR also conducts education and training, hosting postgraduate research scholars in association with recognised universities, and runs extension activities including farmer training, advisory services, and the annual National Horticultural Fair held on its campus.
Significance
As ICAR's lead institute for horticulture, IIHR contributes to national programmes on crop improvement, food and nutritional security, export-oriented horticulture, and sustainable production. Technologies developed by the institute are widely adopted by horticultural growers, nurseries and agro-industries across India, and its germplasm collections form an important resource for plant breeding.
Related topics
- Indian Council of Agricultural Research
- Horticulture in India
- Hessaraghatta
- Agricultural research in India
- Indian Agricultural Research Institute
- National Horticulture Mission
References
- Indian Council of Agricultural Research, official communications on constituent institutes.
- Wikidata entry: Q18125952.