Bengaluru: The ICAR-Indian Institute of Horticultural Research (ICAR-IIHR), Bengaluru, celebrated its 60th Foundation Day at the Dr. G. S. Randhawa Auditorium, marking six decades of contributions to horticultural research, technology development, capacity building and farmer-oriented innovation. The celebrations were held on the theme “Accelerating Horticultural Growth through Research, Innovation and Digitization.”
Dr. Binay K. Das, Distinguished Scientist and Director General, Electronics and Communication Systems (ECS), DRDO, Bengaluru, was the Chief Guest. Dr. Surender Babu, Chief General Manager, Karnataka Regional Office, NABARD, Bengaluru, and Dr. Vishnuvardhana, Hon’ble Vice-Chancellor, University of Horticultural Sciences, Bagalkot, were the Guests of Honour.
In his address, Dr. Tusar Kanti Behera, Director, ICAR-IIHR, highlighted the Institute’s six-decade journey and its continuing efforts to translate research into technologies, enterprises and solutions benefiting farmers and the horticulture sector. The Foundation Day programme also featured the release of publications, exchange of MoUs, licensing of technologies, recognition of outstanding achievers and farmers, and felicitation of retired staff.
Delivering the Foundation Day Lecture on “Digital Transformation: Translating Defence Innovations into Agricultural Solutions,” Dr. Binay K. Das emphasised that developing a technology is only the beginning. He called for greater focus on implementation, deployment and scaling of technologies so that innovations generate tangible benefits for farmers and society. He also stressed the importance of environmental responsibility, respect for soil and natural resources, indigenous technological capability and collective action among scientists, farmers, industry and public institutions.
The Guests of Honour and other invited dignitaries appreciated the significant contributions of ICAR-IIHR to horticultural research, technology development and farmer outreach, and conveyed their best wishes for the Institute’s continued growth and further achievements. They expressed interest in strengthening collaborations with ICAR-IIHR across multiple areas, particularly through greater institutional linkages, joint research, technology development and knowledge exchange. The participation of Directors and heads of ICAR institutions in Bengaluru also underscored the scope for stronger inter-institutional collaboration in addressing emerging challenges in horticulture.
During 2025–26, ICAR-IIHR released 50 technologies, supported 60 clients, issued 98 licences and generated revenue of ₹2 crore. The Institute also achieved significant progress in varietal development, with 10 new varieties notified, while 7.5 lakh beneficiaries were supported through training programmes and special schemes.
The celebrations concluded with a Farmer-Scientist Interface, followed by visits to key ICAR-IIHR facilities and demonstration units. The 60th Foundation Day reaffirmed the Institute’s commitment to strengthening the pathway from research and innovation to technology development, licensing, enterprise creation, farmer adoption and measurable impact, while building stronger partnerships for sustainable horticultural development.
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