Sangli district is known as a leading district for Turmeric, Roses and Grapes cultivation in Maharashtra. In the district, as much as 82% population belongs to the rural areas. The means of earning their livelihood for this large section of our society is cultivation of agricultural products. Taking into account the changed cropping patterns, developed means of technology and the needs of creating new awareness and training amongst the farmers, DES started this institute in Sangli, at the auspicious hands of Shrimant Shahu Chhatrapati Maharaj of Kolhapur in the year 1982. An Institution of this kind remains sensitive to demands of the people in the area and is going a long way in reducing the gap between the farmers and cientists, and developing into an active and useful research centre. It is to be noted that this institute is getting good support and response since its inception and has now established itself as a reputed autonomous agricultural institute.