New Delhi, January 14, 2026: The ICAR–Indian Agricultural Research Institute (ICAR–IARI), New Delhi, marked a significant milestone in strengthening agricultural education and student infrastructure with the foundation stone laying ceremony of the ‘Rituraj’ Girls’ Hostel and the ‘Krishiksha’ Academic Block.
The programme was held in the august presence of Shri Shivraj Singh Chauhan, Hon’ble Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, Government of India, Dr. M.L. Jat, Director General, ICAR & Secretary, DARE, Dr. D.K. Yadava, Deputy Director General (Crop Science), Dr. J.K. Jena, Deputy Director General (Education) and Dr. Ch. Srinivasa Rao, Director & Vice-Chancellor, ICAR–IARI, along with senior scientists, faculty members, students and officials of CPWD.
Addressing the gathering, Shri Shivraj Singh Chauhan emphasized the Government of India’s strong commitment to strengthening agricultural education, research and human resource development for building a modern, climate-resilient and farmer-centric agricultural sector. He highlighted that investments in such high-quality academic and residential infrastructure are essential for nurturing the next generation of agricultural scientists and leaders. He called to the young students to come forward with the suggestions for revising the agricultural education curricula to make it future-ready.
Dr. M.L. Jat noted that the Rituraj Hostel and Academic Block together will create a holistic learning and research environment, empowering students and faculty to deliver globally competitive agricultural science for India’s future.
Dr Ch. Srinivasa Rao, Director IARI informed that the Rituraj Hostel, to be constructed at a cost of about ₹45 crore, will provide modern, safe and inclusive residential facilities for 350 girl students, including study rooms, digital learning facilities, sports and recreational areas, and a supportive academic environment. The hostel will play a key role in promoting women’s participation in higher education and leadership in agricultural sciences. The Academic Block (Krishiksha), with an outlay of about ₹60 crore, will house world-class conference halls, committee rooms, smart classrooms, faculty offices and modern academic amenities, significantly enhancing the academic and research ecosystem of the institute and positioning IARI as a global centre of excellence in agricultural education and innovation.
The event concluded with a strong reaffirmation of ICAR–IARI’s commitment to advancing education, research and human resource development in support of India’s goals of food security, climate resilience and sustainable agricultural growth.
