Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) governs a network of specialized national research centers, directorates, and bureaus across India.
Each institute is strategically located in regions where the target crop has significant cultivation acreage and economic importance.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Let us identify the headquarters of the ICAR-Directorate of Groundnut Research (DGR):
- The Directorate of Groundnut Research (formerly known as the National Research Centre for Groundnut, NRCG) was established in Junagadh, Gujarat, in 1979.
- Gujarat is the leading groundnut-producing state in India, making Junagadh an ideal location for conducting research on crop improvement, production technology, and plant protection of groundnut.
Let us review the other options for clarity:
- Hyderabad (A): Headquarters of the ICAR-Indian Institute of Oilseeds Research (IIOR) and ICAR-Indian Institute of Millets Research (IIMR).
- Lucknow (B): Headquarters of the ICAR-Indian Institute of Sugarcane Research (IISR).
- Varanasi (D): Headquarters of the ICAR-Indian Institute of Vegetable Research (IIVR).
Therefore, the correct location of the Directorate of Groundnut Research is Junagadh.
Step 3: Final Answer:
The correct option is (C).