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The Agri Horticultural Society of India was founded in 1820 by Rev. Dr. William Carey.It was initially situated in Akra but later shifted to the present location at Alipore Road in 1870. It has a flower garden, greenhouses, a research laboratory and a library. It houses a massive collection of plants and flowers. It has a significant collection of botanical varieties, including Cannas for which it has a long and distinguished tradition, with facilities for gardeners and plant/flower lovers. Courses on gardening and cultivation of certain species are offered to the general public from time to time(C).

A large variety of ferns and medicinal plants are grown in the Society's gardens(C). Thousands of fruits and flowers are grown and may also be bought at the nursery(C). It organizes annual flower shows in winter and imparts training in horticulture, which is a major seasonal attraction(C).

History: Foundation: Dr. William Carey founded the Agri-Horticultural Society in 1820(C).He was encouraged and sustained by the Governor-General of India, The Marquis of Hastings who also became the first patron of the Society. The society was founded through an initial meeting which had only five attendees. A council of 13 members was created laater to manage the Society's matter.

Primarily the society was named as Agricultural Society of Calcutta. After 1824 the word "Horticultural” was incorporated and henceforth the name became Agricultural & Horticultural Society, currently recognized as The Agri Horticultural Society of India(C).

Initially, introduction of healthier range of cereals, vegetables and fruit trees were the main purposes of the society. Progressively with the Government's persistence improved strains of many cash crops like cotton, sugarcane, tobacco, flax, and hemp were also introduced and cultivated in society's farm at Akra(C).

On 16th May 1821,samples of seeds were given by the Marquis of Hastings to the AHSI President W.Leycester, Esqre and Secretary W.Carey(C). Cereals including Oat, Smutty Barley, Wheat & Cotton were also distributed.

Dr. Wallich presented Joomla rice to AHSIon 19th September 1821(C). Seven types of food grains including Maize (Zea mays), Jooar (Andropago sorghum), Bajra(Panicumspicatum),Shama rice(Panicumjuementace), Marosa(Eleusine Cora Cana), Koda(Paspalumkora) and Kungnee(Panicumitalicum) were cultivated by Mrs. Middleton in her farm at Rishra (Ishara) and were presented to the Secretary(C).

To inspire the farmers for cultivating Coffee& improved Species of cotton, European fruits like Apple, Pear, Plum, Cherry, Apricots, Strawberry, Raspberry, Gooseberry in Bengal, Bihar and Orissa Dr. W. Carey proposed to give Rs.100/- or the Gold medal as premiums to the successful cultivator on 20th March 1822. He also proposed to pay Fifty rupees or the Silver medal to any person who shall make Cheese equal to Warwickshire(C).

In September 1824,when W.Careywas President and Ramcumul Sen and Dr. Nathanial Wallich were secretaries, total 99 plants were sold. Among these 99 plants not even one was aboriginal to India. The plants included Wikin Pippin Apple, Non Pareil apple, Rose of Thorn apple, Bedford seedling apple, Lady derby apple, Long start apple, American Pitchouberg apple, Spring grave Codlin apple, King of Pippin apple,Alexander apple, Woodstock Pippin apple, Fall Pippin apple, Knights Pippin Apple, Black mulberry, Large blue Ischia fig,Tokay grape Vine, Hazelnut, Yellow flowered loquat and Black mulberry(C).

In January 1827,AHSI procured exclusive variety of Potato seeds(C) from Cape and these seeds were circulated among the prospective growers for production with a clause that every farmer has to exhibit their produce during exhibition. Prize money and medals were announced for best raised vegetables like Potato, cabbage, cauliflower, peas and various others like early mangoes, lychees, knol-khol, red Cabbage and guavas. In September 1827 the Society also offered premiums for improvements in breeding cattle and domestic animals(C). InNovember 1827,seeds of Cabbage, Cauliflower, Lettuce, Broccoli, Radish, Onion, Celery, Parsley, Peas, Strawberry and Artichoke were received from LiverPool Botanic Garden(C).

1st Annual Exhibition of vegetables 1st Annual Exhibition of vegetables was held on 9th January 1828(C), at the rooms of the Asiatic Society. President W.Leycester Esq gave prizes to encourage the farmers(C). Along with Batavialoo (thin skinned potatoes called by the natives), peas, cauliflower, sugar leaf cabbage, drumhead cabbage, broccoli, kn