National Dairy Research Institute

The ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute (NDRI) located in Karnal, Haryana, stands as a premier institution in the dairy sector, making significant contributions to the growth of the dairy industry and playing a pivotal role in India's advancements in milk production through continuous research. With a heritage spanning over ninety-nine years, NDRI traces its roots back to the Imperial Institute for Animal Husbandry & Dairying, established in Bangalore in 1923 as a center for dairy education.

Originally formed as the Imperial Institute in Bangalore, it hosted training for Mahatma Gandhi and Pandit Madan Mohan Malviya in 1927. The Father of the Nation and 'Bharat Ratna' spent two weeks at the institute, delving into modern methods of cattle management, discussing technicalities, and addressing complexities related to cows and buffalos in India. Gandhi expressed admiration for the institute's most productive crossbred cow, 'Jill.' His discussions also touched upon the humanitarian challenges faced by Pinjrapoles, housing low-producing and mostly sterile cows. Gandhiji's keen interest influenced policy decisions post-Independence, leading to initiatives like the Key Village Scheme, Gosamvardhana Council, and intensive Cattle Development Programmes.

In 1936, the institute was renamed Imperial Dairy Institute and moved to Karnal in 1955, subsequently being renamed the National Dairy Research Institute. The original infrastructure continued as the southern regional station of NDRI, with an additional Eastern regional station established in Kalyani, West Bengal, in 1964. In 1970, NDRI came under the Indian Council of Agricultural Research. Recognized as a Deemed University since 1989, NDRI offers unparalleled education in the field of dairying in Asia. Beyond contributing skilled manpower to State Agricultural Universities (SAUs), NDRI plays a crucial role in enhancing the teaching capabilities of SAU faculty.