Agro-Economic Research Centre

Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore’s vision of rural reconstruction was rooted in a scientific understanding of village life through systematic surveys and data collection. To translate this vision into practice, the Sriniketan Experiment was launched in 1922–23. Its objectives were to identify the problems of Indian villages, seek practical solutions, and work towards making them self-reliant and prosperous. The ultimate aim was to improve the economic condition and well-being of the rural population. The Sriniketan activities were organized under three broad branches: (i) Research and Experiments, (ii) Training, and (iii) Extension and Development. Later, in 1954, the Agro-Economic Research Centre (AERC) was established at Visva-Bharati with the support of the Government of India, absorbing the projects under the Sriniketan Experiment. The Centre became permanent in May 1990 and was integrated with Visva-Bharati in April 1995. It is funded by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, Government of India. The Agro-Economic Research Centre for Eastern India, initially covering Assam, Bihar, Orissa, and West Bengal, was set up in line with Visva-Bharati’s tradition of rural reconstruction initiated by Tagore at Sriniketan. At present, its jurisdiction covers West Bengal, Sikkim, and the Andaman & Nicobar Islands. The Centre’s existing building was constructed with capital grants sanctioned by the Ministry of Food and Agriculture in 1957–58. The building, with a plinth area of 6,970 square feet, was designed by Sri A. C. Bose, Engineer-in-Charge of Visva-Bharati’s Works and Building Department. The sculpture in front of the building was created by Sri Suren Dey of Kala Bhavana, under the guidance of the renowned artist Sri Ramkinkar Baij.