About Us

The IAT, a non- profit voluntary association of agricultural technologists was established 1968. The Institution that started as a forum for discussing ideas on agricultural development in a small way has grown in magnitude attracting the professionals from with the State, Country and Abroad. The idea of formation of IAT was conceived by the distinguished late Dr. H.R. Arakeri and nurtured to grow as an organization with the dedicated efforts of senior technologists.

IAT provides a platform to advance the professional interests of its members and promote growth and development of agriculture in general.

History

Tradition or History can be an anchor of stability and a shield to guide in the direction that was intended.

When we consider History – Two aspects are identified : (a) The Physical and (b) The object

  • IAT was incorporated in 1968 – Dr.H.R.Arakeri – the founder president – object was to hold fortnightly lectures at the Department of Agriculture. I understand there were 25 founder members.
  • Dr.Dwarakinath as President, defined the purpose and provided a direction in which the Institution should move. This was in 1972-73. Sri.B.J.Nanjundappa joined me with enthusiasm in our quest for physical assets.
  • Sri.N.Chikkegowda the then minister for Animal Husbandry and Agriculture got this site (17,000 Sq.ft) on a 99 year leas from the Government on a least of Rs.100/ per year.
  • This was the time when Dr.H.R.Arakeri started the formation of IIAT. His object was to start an IAT in every state of the country. N.Chikkegowda sanctioned Rs.50,000/- towards the inaugural function.
  • IAT, however, transferred this entire amount to the building fund.
  • We started construction of the building (the first phase) in 1977. Sri.N.Chikkegowda sanctioned Rs.500,000/- for the building construction.
  • Completed construction of the building in 1982. Dr.Norman Borlag – the only Nobel laureate in Agriculture inaugurated the building.
  • Though building completed – we were short of funds and we needed finances to meet the contractor’s bills. Dr.T.V.Sampath and Sri.C.Lingaraj Urs came to our assistance by hiring the first floor for the seed corporation.
  • Now comes the Second Phase – IAT started construction of the front block in 1991 as a part of silver jubilee celebrations.
    1. IAT had over the past years accumulated of nearly Rs.10,00,000/- (Ten Lakhs). This was sufficient to construct the car park and part of I Floor.
    2. Sri.N.Chikkegowda who had assumed charge as Minister for Agriculture sanctioned Rs.10,00,000/- (Ten Lakhs). We were able to complete the I Floor and II Floor of the building.
    3. As we were completing construction of the II Floor M/s.Deneb a software IAT company made an agreement with IAT and leased both the floors.
    4. A 10 month lease deposit helped us construct the III Floor. We completed the entire construction in 1993.
  • Areas of building :
    1. a)B.J.Nanjundappa block ( old block) : 8000 Sq.ft.
    2. b)N.Chikkegowda block : 8000 Sq.ft.
  • Nomenclature : In view of magnanimous contributions made by Sri.N.Chikkegowda – Site – 17,000 Sq.ft on 100 year lease.
  • Financial Contribution – Rs.50,000 + Rs.500,000 + Rs.10,00,000 = Rs.15.5 lakhs
  • Hence, the new block is named after Chikkegowda.
  • Ground Floor Auditorium -Dr.H.R.Arakeri Auditorium
  • First Floor Auditorium - B.J.Nanjundappa Hall