About Himachal Pradesh Agriculture University

Himachal Pradesh Krishi Vishvavidyalaya (renamed as Chaudhary Sarwan Kumar Himachal Pradesh Krishi Vishvavidyalaya in June, 2001) was established on 1st November, 1978.The College of Agriculture (established in May, 1966) formed the nucleus of the new farm University. It is ICAR accredited and ISO 9001:2015 certified institution. The Indian Council of Agricultural Research has ranked this University at Fourteenth place among all farm universities of the country.

The University has been given the mandate for making provision for imparting education in agriculture and other allied branches of learning, furthering the advancement of learning and prosecution of research and undertaking extension of such sciences, especially to the rural people of Himachal Pradesh.

Over the years, this University has contributed significantly in transforming the farm scenario of Himachal Pradesh. It has developed human resources, varieties and technologies and transferred these to farming community enabling the State to receive the “Krishikarman award” of Govt. of India four times in row for food grain production among small states of the country. Today, the State has earned its name for hill agricultural diversification and the farming community has imposed its faith in the University.

Academic Programmes

The University has four constituent colleges. The College of Agriculture has 13 departments, Dr.G.C.Negi College of Veterinary & Animal Sciences has 18 departments, the College of Community Science has five departments and the College of Basic Sciences has four departments. These colleges offer five Bachelor Degree programmes, 14 Masters Degree and 7 Doctoral Degree programmes. The University has a glorious history of being a ragging free and it provides congenial academic environment in the campus and is known for quality education as evident from overwhelming response of

more than 17000 applicants annually for intake of just 153 seats in B.Sc.(Hons.) Agriculture and B.V.Sc.& AH programmes.

At present 1643 students (943 girls & 700 boys) are on roll including 78 ICAR/ VCI nominees and international students from six countries and 14 Indian states.8417 students have passed out from the University since its inception. The University has world class academic, sports and co-curricular facilities. It has ten students’ hostels (five each for boys and girls) including one International Students’ Hostel.

Research Activities

            The Directorate of Research coordinates research in the field of agriculture, veterinary and animal sciences, community science and basic sciences. It has been giving priority to the location specific, need based and problem oriented research with multidisciplinary approach at main campus Palampur, 3 Regional Research Stations (Bajaura, Dhaulakuan &  Kukumseri) and 10 Research Sub-stations (Kangra, Malan, Nagrota, Salooni, Akrot, Berthin  Sundernagar, Sangla, Leo & Lari) situated  in all four agro-climatic zones of the State.

The University has developed and released 155 improved varieties of different crops for the different regions of the State. Last year, out of these varieties, four vegetable crop and eight varieties of cereals, pulses, oilseeds and fodder crops were notified by the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare, Govt. of India. In addition, seventeen more varieties of different crops have also been developed and recommended to the State Variety Release Committee for their release in the State.

 Around 800 quintal breeder seed and around  1000 quintal foundation  seed of cereals, pulses, oilseeds, vegetable and fodder crops is produced and supplied to the State Department of Agriculture for further multiplication and making it available to  the farming community. More than 100 farm technologies have been recommended to the farmers. To enhance crop and animal productivity, the University has developed suitable technologies in the areas of crop improvement, animal breeding, disease combating, natural resources management, etc. Besides continuing research on organic farming in hill agriculture, the University was first in the country to establish an Advanced Centre on Protected Agriculture and Natural Farming worth Rs. 22.66 crore with the assistance of National Agricultural Higher Education Project and initiated research for safe farm produce.

For doubling the farmers’ income by 2022 as envisaged by the government, twenty farm based models have been formulated and shared with the agriculture and animal husbandry departments of the State government. Efforts have been made to educate and motivate the farmers to adopt the models as per the agro-climatic conditions of their area and their requirements.

Extension Education

    The Directorate of Extension Education shares the responsibility for planning, implementation and coordination of various extension education programmes of all the departments of four constituent colleges and research stations in close collaboration with the State Departments of Agriculture, Animal Husbandry, Fisheries and other concerned departments and institutions. It conducts a large number of trainings for farmers, livestock keepers, farm women, rural youths, etc. both at main campus and at its all eight Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) located at Bajaura, Dhaulakuan, Hamirpur, Una, Mandi, Kangra, Berthin and Kukumseri. The Union Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare has sanctioned Model Training Courses and various skill enhancement trainings sponsored by Agriculture Skill Council of India are also conducted. Natural Farming activities are also being undertaken by all KVKs. The Agricultural Technology Information Center is serving as a single window service to the farmers.

The Media Cell projects the image of the University among target clients and others by various Public Relations and Communication tools. The University has its noteworthy presence on social media platforms.

A massive infrastructure to fulfill the mandate and realize objectives has been created at main campus Palampur, all Research Stations and Krishi Vigyan Kendras. The main clients viz. the farmers and the students are provided quality facilities like  hybrid University Library equipped with  RFID and EZ proxy, training halls, farmers’ hostels, transportation, students’ hostels, playground  &  gymnasium, placement cell, etc.

Among the leading universities in the hill regions of the country, this University has emerged as a lighthouse for all. It is considered as most peaceful institution in the region with very conducive atmosphere to pursue academic and research activities.

Due to the sincere and strenuous work during the past forty two years in the University, the State has achieved new rank in agriculture. Despite constant decrease in area under farming, crop yields have increased. The State has earned name in commercial agriculture, especially off-season vegetable cultivation. Harvests have become plentiful and the socio-economic status of the farming community has improved a lot.

Vital Statistics*

Academic programmes

Bachelor degree programmes = 5

Masters Degree programmes = 14 (9 Agri.  and 5 Vety.& AH. )

Doctoral degree programmes = 7 (Agriculture)

Varieties Released by the University

The University has released 155 improved varieties of different crops (Wheat 24, Paddy 23, Maize 9, Barley 6, Pulses 24, Vegetables 29, Oilseeds 23, Buckwheat 2, Sugarcane 1, Fodder 12 and Tea 2). 17 more varieties of different crops developed & recommended for release in the State.

Information compiled from: Himachal Pradesh Agriculture University Website