The ICAR–Central Institute for Arid Horticulture (CIAH), Bikaner, Rajasthan has been at the forefront of research, development, and dissemination of technologies for harnessing the potential of arid horticultural crops. Through scientific innovation, conservation of indigenous germplasm, and promotion of climate-resilient production systems, the institute continues to play a pivotal role in transforming the arid landscapes of India into hubs of sustainable horticultural growth. In this context, the National Conference on Arid Horticulture “Shaping Sustainability for the Future through Biodiversity and Climate Resilience” serves as a platform to bring together researchers, policymakers, entrepreneurs, and farmers to deliberate on current challenges, emerging opportunities, and innovative strategies for the holistic development of arid horticulture. The conference aims to foster collaborative efforts toward ensuring food and nutritional security, livelihood enhancement, and environmental sustainability in the arid zones of the country.

Institute of Agricultural Sciences (IAS-BHU)

IAS, an integral part of BHU, was established in 1931 as the Institute of Agricultural Research by Bharat Ratna Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya ji, who recognized the critical role of agriculture in India’s economy. It was the first institution in the country to offer M.Sc. (Ag.) and Ph.D. (Ag.) degrees, marking a milestone in postgraduate agricultural education and research. Undergraduate teaching began in 1945, and the Institute initially functioned as the College of Agriculture under the Faculty of Engineering. In 1968, it became an independent Faculty of Agriculture and was later upgraded to the Institute of Agricultural Sciences in 1981, bringing together all major disciplines of agriculture, including Food Science and Dairy Technology.

Currently, IAS-BHU ranks 3rd among Agricultural Universities and Institutes in India. It offers internationally relevant academic programs in Plant Sciences, Soil Health, Agronomy, Horticulture, and Biotechnology. The Institute is actively engaged in research areas such as climate-resilient agriculture, sustainable food systems, and innovations for smallholder farmers contributing significantly to both national and global food security. It has established strong collaborations with reputed national and international agricultural organizations, including CGIAR and other leading scientific institutions, to advance research and innovation.

Over its 93-year journey, the Institute has played a pivotal role in developing high-yielding popular crop varieties, eco-friendly agricultural technologies, and skilled human resources. Recognizing the demands of the 21st century, the Institute introduced 11 specialized academic programs during post-2006 in agriculture and management. To strengthen Animal Science education and research, a separate Faculty of Veterinary and Animal Sciences was established in 2015 at the Rajiv Gandhi South Campus, Barkachha, Mirzapur.

The Institute continues to fulfil its mandate of advancing agricultural growth through cutting-edge research, human capital development, and technology dissemination. Notably, BHU’s foundation day, celebrated on Basant Panchami, symbolically aligns with the blooming of crops during spring, reflecting the deep-rooted agricultural spirit embedded in the University vision.

Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding (GPB)

The Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding is one of the major Departments of the IAS–BHU, dedicated in generating world class human resources, developing high-yielding, stress-tolerant, and climate-resilient crop varieties through a blend of classical breeding and modern genomic tools. The Department has released large number of important varieties, including newly released Malviya Manila Sinchit Dhan 1 and submergence-tolerant HUR 105 Sub 1 in rice; wheat varieties like HUW 234, HUW 318, HUW 510, and the biofortified, blast-resistant Malviya 838 (HUW 838) with enhanced zinc and iron; and Malviya Nidhi mustard, known for early maturity, bold black seeds, and high oil content. Its active collaborations with National and International Organizations like ICAR, IRRI, ICRISAT, CIMMYT, DBT, BARC etc. support its research in molecular breeding, genome editing, and genetic resource management. The Department continues to play a vital role in promoting sustainable agriculture, improving food and nutritional security and human resource development.