Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
This question focuses on the institutional framework, administrative affiliations, and research mandates of major agricultural research institutes in India under the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR).
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Let us analyze both statements individually:
Statement (I): "The Indian Institute of Horticultural Research (IIHR) is a constituent institute of the ICAR."
This statement is correct.
The Indian Institute of Horticultural Research (IIHR) is a premier national research institute operating under the administrative and financial control of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR).
It was established in 1967 at New Delhi and was later shifted to its main campus in Hesaraghatta, Bengaluru, Karnataka, in 1968.
Statement (II): "The IIHR is primarily focused on research related to fruit, vegetable, and ornamental crops."
This statement is correct.
The mandate of IIHR is to conduct basic, strategic, and applied research on diverse horticultural crops to improve productivity and quality.
Its core research focus areas include fruit crops (such as mango, guava, and papaya), vegetable crops (such as tomato, onion, and chili), ornamental plants, and medicinal and aromatic crops.
Both statements are correct.
Step 3: Final Answer:
Both Statement (I) and Statement (II) are true.
This corresponds to Option (A).