The Karnataka Institute of Applied Agricultural Research (KIAAR) was established with the aim of conducting applied research for the benefit of the farming community at large, and regional sugar factories in particular. Working towards this goal, the institute has helped in identifying high sugar varieties suitable to the region, and also in discovering newer varieties of sugar. These crops are fast becoming an integral part of cane crushing in the neighboring Indian states. With about ten such institutes in the country, KIAAR is the only one of its kind in the private sector, and is acknowledged as a center for sugarcane research for the Indian peninsular region. Led by eminent scientific personalities, KIAAR has always benefited from their knowledge and experience. Over the years, this has come to play a vital role in the agricultural activities of the Somaiya Group. History When the Godavari Sugar Mills Limited was established, it was found that the agriculture was of a subsistence level, and irrigated farming on a large scale was not established. The agronomical practices were primitive. To overcome this situation, it was necessary to get guidance from eminent scientists and a 'Lab to Land' programme was conceived. This led to the birth of KIAAR in 1971. The Institute is registered under the 'Mysore Societies Registration Act of 1961' and is now recognised by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research, New Delhi, as a center of research in agriculture. Under the guidance of its founder director, the late Mr. R. R. Panje, and its subseqent directors, Dr. H. L. Kulkarni, Dr. R. G. Menon, and Dr. R. Narasimhan, the Institute has progressed rapidly into a premier agricultural research center. Location KIAAR is located at Sameerwadi, a part of the Mudhol township (taluka) of the Bijapur district in the Indian State of Karnataka. Collaborations Approved as a research institute by the Department of Science and Technology, KIAAR works in collaboration with other research institutes such as Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC), Indian Centre for Agricultural Research (ICAR), Indian Institute of Scientific Research (IISR), and the prestigious Sugarcane Breeding Institute. Objectives of the Institute KIAAR was established with the following main objectives in view: To encourage and assist farmers in the backward district of Bijapur to take up sugarcane cultivation on scientific lines To test the varieties of sugarcane under the agro-climatic conditions of North Karnataka, to select and multiply seeds of suitable varieties, and to supply disease-free healthy seeds of these varieties to farmers for commercial cultivation To evolve and popularise sound soil and water management practices To educate and train farmers in various aspects of scientific agriculture To devise and popularise labour-saving agricultural implements and machines suited to the region