Agri Horticultural Society of India (AHSI)

 

  • Founded in 1820 by Rev. William Carey, the Agri Horticultural Garden is a paradise for botany, agriculture and horticulture enthusiasts. Rev Carey was referred to as ‘The Father of Modern Bengal’ by Rabindranath Tagore. 
  • The first patron was the Marquis of Hastings. Dr. Nathaniel Wallich, a renowned botanist, was the Secretary from 1822-1828. The Society was awarded Royal Charter in 1935 by King George V. Some of the prominent members and patrons were John Palmer, James Kyd, Radha Kanta Deb, Hari Mohan Tagore, Lord William Bentinck, Maharaja Ranjit Singh, Dr. Nathaniel Wallich and others. 
  • Jaykrishna Mukherjee, the erstwhile zamindar of Uttarpara was an enthusiastic member here. He introduced large scale cultivation of new crops like potato and sugarcane in the districts of Hoogly, Calcutta and Howrah.
  • In 1836 the Society started functioning at the premises of Royal Botanic Garden, Howrah and shifted to its present location at 1, Alipore Road in 1872. In the year 1933 the hybrid variety of Cosmos was created which was named as ‘Alipore Beauty’ and exported worldwide. 
  • Historically the Society has played a noteworthy role in introducing many exotic plants such as maize and Carolina rice from America, arrowroot from West Indies, ginger from Jamaica, potato and other vegetables from England, Guinea grass from Lucerne, sugarcane from Mauritius etc.
  • Sir Cecil Beadon executed a big agricultural exhibition in January 1864. The Government sought patronage from zamindars with the objective to bring together livestock, agricultural implements, products and machineryfrom all parts of the country.
  • Today the garden houses a plethora of indigenous and exotic flowers, fruits, cereals, vegetables, ornamental plants and has helped in the preservation of medicinal plants. AHSI has played pioneering initiative in strengthening cotton, sugar, tea, maize, sugarcane, tobacco and vegetable industries. The lush greenery attracts huge number of birds, butterflies and insects. There is a state of art tissue culture laboratory as well as excellent training and extension programmes both for nature lovers and professionals in fields of gardening, mushroom cultivation, vegetable production, landscape designing, ikebana etc. The flower shows, mango show and environmental awareness programmes attracts thousands of visitors. It is a favourite place for fitness enthusiasts and nature photographers as well.     
  • Orchid in bloom

    Office Building


    Wall gardening

    Green House


    Newly constructed rubber walk



 

Orchid at Flower show


AHSI publication

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