When it was decided to establish the Godavari Sugar Mills Ltd., in the backward region of Northern Karnataka it was found that agriculture was at subsistence level and there was no awareness of irrigated farming in general and sugarcane cultivation in particular. The agronomic practices were primitive, in spite of abundant potential for sugarcane cultivation. Sugarcane crop was cultivated over an area of 10,000 acres only, with an average sugarcane yield of only 10-15 tonnnes/acre, and an average sugar recovery of 9%.
To overcome this situation, it was thought necessary to get the guidance from Eminent Scientists and “Lab to Land” programme was conceived. Thus, the Karnataka Institute of Applied Agricultural Research (KIAAR) was established in the year 1971 that is one year before the Godavari Sugar Mills Ltd., was established.
The institute was renamed as K.J. Somaiya Institute of Applied Agricultural Research (KIAAR), during the year 1999, in memory of the Founder of the Institute, Late Shri Padmabhushan Karamshibhai J. Somaiya.
The institute is registered under the Mysore Societies Registration Act of 1961, and is also recognized by the “Indian Council of Agricultural Research, New Delhi” as a Centre of Research in Agriculture.
Latest News & EventsKIAAR new administrative building was inaugurated by Hon. MLA Shri Siddu Savadi , Shri. Samir Somaiya and Dr. Larry Walker. More than 100 farmers were present in the gathering to celebrate the 50 fruitful years of registration of KIAAR. Vice chancellor of SVU, Mumbai and UHS Bagalkot delivered the speech to utilize the services of KIAAR for the benefit of farmers. Hon. Siddu Savadi and CMD Shri.Samir Somaiya also addressed the gathering and presented their views on sugarcane cultivation and GBL-KIAAR participatory programmes for the betterment of farmers.
The meeting was conducted to present the progress of research and future proposals for scientific advancements, collaborations along with other activities of KIAAR for transfer of new technologies to the farmers. All the members actively participated and suggested new ideas for improved crop productivity and sustainability. Development activities of KIAAR along with Budget work also discussed and approved for further implementation
The meeting was held to review the progress of research and formulate new research proposals to improve the productivity of sugarcane and restore the soil fertility. All the scientists presented the results of concluded experiments along with ongoing trails and new research proposals for suggestions and approval.
The institute is registered under the Mysore Societies Registration Act of 1961, and is also recognized by the “Indian Council of Agricultural Research, New Delhi” as a Centre of Research in Agriculture.
KIAAR was established in the year 1971 that is one year before the Godavari Sugar Mills Ltd., was established. The institute was renamed as K. J. Somaiya Institute of Applied Agricultural Research (KIAAR), during the year 1999, in memory of the Founder of the Institute, Late Shri Padmabhushan Karamshibhai J. Somaiya.