Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
The development of agricultural and veterinary research in India led to the establishment of several premier national institutes under the colonial administration, many of which were later reorganized under the ICAR.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Let us look at the historical establishment years of each of the four premier institutes:
IVRI (Indian Veterinary Research Institute): Originally established in 1889 as the Imperial Bacteriological Laboratory at Pune, Maharashtra.
It was later relocated to Mukteshwar, Uttarakhand, in 1893 to facilitate work in colder climates, and its scope was expanded to veterinary research.
IARI (Indian Agricultural Research Institute): Originally established in 1905 as the Agricultural Research Institute (ARI) at Pusa, Bihar, with financial support from American philanthropist Henry Phipps.
Following a severe earthquake in 1934, it was relocated to New Delhi in 193
CPRI (Central Potato Research Institute): Established in 1949 at Patna, Bihar, and later shifted to Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, in 1956 to facilitate potato breeding in hilly, disease-free conditions.
CAZRI (Central Arid Zone Research Institute): Established in 1959 at Jodhpur, Rajasthan, to address desertification and arid land management.
Comparing these dates, IVRI (1889) is the oldest and was established first.
Step 3: Final Answer:
The Indian Veterinary Research Institute (IVRI), established in 1889, is the oldest among the listed institutions.