The ICAR-Indian Institute of Rice Research (ICAR-IIRR) was established as All India Coordinated Rice Improvement Project (AICRIP) by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) in 1965, with its head quarters at Rajendranagar, Hyderabad. The pre AICRIP Indian Rice Research system was isolated, in some research establishments and universities. The varied difference of opinion regarding the testing of first semi dwarf rice variety TN(1), in every major rice growing areas of India led to the establishment of first nationally coordinated rice improvement project with a fulltime coordinator. To begin with, AICRIP work was carried out at 22 network centers in 7zones each under the responsibility of a Zonal coordinator. Twelve regional stations viz, Palampur, Pantnagar, Kapurthala, Chinsurah, Sambalpur, Raipur, Maruteru, Karjat, Nawagam, Mandya, Aduthurai and Pattambi were established in the major rice growing states of the Country. Upper Shillong, Kalimpong and Imphal were identified as testing centers.

DRR was upgraded to national institute status as ‘Indian Institute of Rice Research (IIRR)’ during the golden jubilee year, from 15thDecember 2014. The institute activities are aimed at accomplishing the vision, mission and mandate of IIRR keeping in view the “Farmer First” motive of ICAR.