The National Agricultural Research Project was launched by Indian Council of Agricultural Research in 1979 with the World Bank assistance to strengthen the research capabilities of State Agricultural Universities and to conduct location specific research in the main agro ecological zones. The project was implemented in two phases, phase I (1979-85) and phase II (1986-1993).  Under the project, Regional Agricultural Research Stations were established for addressing the zonal research needs and fostering linkages between research, extension and farmers.