community development block, Samastipur district, north-central Bihar state, northeastern India, located just west of the Burhi Gandak River. In 1796 the estate site was acquired by the government for use in horse breeding and later as a tobacco farm. The estate was given in 1904 to the Imperial Agricultural Department of the British Indian government and became its headquarters. A research institute was founded in 1905, with an experimental farm and agricultural college, at which rust-resistant wheat strains were produced. Research on fungus pests and selective breeding of cattle was also carried out. After a large 1934 earthquake, work was transferred to New Delhi. Rajendra Agricultural University was opened in Pusa in 1970. There is also a sugar mill in Pusa.