The Shakarganj Sugar Research Institute (SSRI) was established in 1983.  Shakarganj’s decision to setup the research institute was based mainly on the following facts:

• The meagre financial resources of the country demand the involvement of industry in agriculture research; on the other hand, not much emphasis has been given on sugarcane research in government research organisations.
• Development of new cane varieties with best management practices can lead to increased crop productivity. 
• The success stories of private sector R & D in advance countries have revolutionised the agriculture, milling and processing of the sugar world.

A scientist of international repute, Dr Sardar Ahmad Qureshi (Late), was appointed as the first director general of the institute. He worked for 15 years with the institute till his death in 1998. Dr. Qureshi’s hard work, his passion and dedication to research work paved the way for converting the R&D programmes into a reality.