The Saharanpur Botanic Garden is one of the oldest existing gardens in India and dates back to before 1750. Then named Farahat-Baksh, it was originally a pleasure ground, set out by a local chief in the 1770s. In 1817, it was acquired by the East India Company.
When the Botanical Survey of India was established in 1887, to reform the country’s botanical science, Saharanpur became the centre for the survey of the northern Indian flora. Overall, the Garden is seen historically as being second only to the Calcutta Gardens in terms of national significance for its contribution to science and economy. Saharanpur Gardens were specially noted for their botanically interesting plants that were sent out to other Indian botanical gardens.
It was significant for its role in the introduction and acclimatization of medicinal plants and as a plant taxonomy research centre.
The Garden, now known as the Horticultural Experiment and Training Centre, Sahranpur, operates on a commercial basis, producing saleable seeds and plants, as well as carrying out research into tropical and subtropical fruits, flowers and vegetables. It also helps to conserve many ornamental, economic and medicinal plants.