Forty five years in the Service of Farming Community of Himachal Pradesh
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 Indian Council of Agricultural Research accredited institution and the National Institutional Ranking Framework, Ministry of Education; Govt. of India has ranked this University at 14th position among all agriculture and allied sector institutions of the country. Among all State Agriculture Universities of the country, the University is placed at 8th rank.
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 enormously in transforming the farm scenario of Himachal Pradesh. It has developed human resources, crop varieties and technologies and transferred these to farming community enabling the State to forge ahead and become self-sufficient on food front. 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 seven Bachelor Degree programmes, 26 Masters Degree and 15 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
applicants annually for B.Sc.(Hons.) Agriculture and B.V.Sc.& AH programmes.
At present 2016 students (1164 girls & 852 boys) are on roll including 125 ICAR/ VCI nominees and international students from six countries and 14 Indian states. 9589 students have passed out from the University since its inception. The University has world class academic, sports and co-curricular facilities. It has eleven students’ hostels (five boys and six girls’ hostels) 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 179 improved varieties of different crops for the different regions of the State. Around 800 quintal breeder seed and about 400 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 is 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.
The University is working hard on current approaches and future strategies for increasing the income of farmers. The University has started registering 51 traditional crops, unique products and commodities of Himachal Pradesh with various national agencies. In the recent past, the University has signed Memorandum of Understandings with well known International and National institutions to accelerate research and extension activities, besides students’ and faculty exchange programmes. Many students have gained international exposure and earned fellowships from top ranking foreign universities. The University has helped some farmers to get national awards.
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, officers from agriculture and its allied departments, etc. both at main campus and at its all eight Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) located at Bajaura(Kullu), Dhaulakuan(Sirmour), Bara(Hamirpur), Rampur(Una), Sundarnagar(Mandi), Kangra, Berthin(Bilaspur) and Kukumseri (Lahaul & Spiti). The Agricultural Technology Information Center is serving as a single window service to the farmers. "Progressive Farmers' Photo Gallery" has been established in the University Museum.
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 like Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
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 academic management system, smart classrooms, video-conferencing facilities, virtual class room, hybrid university library, high-tech polyhouse, phytotron, hydroponic facility, high-tech training halls, farmers’ hostels, transportation, students’ hostels, playground & gymnasium, placement cell, etc.
This University has emerged as a lighthouse for all farm universities in the hill region of the country. It is progressing at a fast pace to attain an international status. It is most peaceful institution in the region with very conducive atmosphere to pursue academic and research activities.
Due to the earnest and arduous work during the past forty five years in the University, the State has achieved new heights in agriculture development. 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 enormously.
Vital Statistics*
Academic programmes
Bachelor degree programmes = 7
Masters Degree programmes = 26 (8 Agri., 13 Vety.& AH, 4 CS, 1 BS)
Doctoral degree programmes = 15 (7 Agriculture, 6 Vety.&AH, 1CS)
Varieties Released by the University
The University has released 179 improved varieties of different crops (Wheat 25, Paddy 23, Maize 11, Barley 7, Pulses 24, Vegetables 38, Oilseeds 28, Buckwheat 2, Sugarcane 1, Fodder 18 and Tea 2).
Staff Strength
Teachers/Scientists=223 and Non-teachers=735 (70 on secondment with various departments of the Govt. of H.P.)
Area
Total Area at main campus: 397 hectares, Area at Out stations/KVKs: 190 ha
* As on 31 Oct 2023
Important Telephone Numbers/Emails
Vice - Chancellor: 01894-230521 Fax: 230465 Email: vc@hillagric.ac.in
Registrar: 230383 Fax: 230511 Email: registrar@hillagric.ac.in
Director Extension Education: 230399 Fax: 230399 Email: deecskhpkv@hillagric.ac.in
Director of Research: 230406 Fax: 230406 Email: dr@hillagric.ac.in
Jt. Director (Info. & Public Relations): 283108 Email: hirdaypaulsingh@hillagric.ac.in
Incharge Hospitality: 01894-230312
Agricultural Technology Information Centre 01894-230395
University Website: http://hillagric.ac.in
Conceptualized, compiled and edited by Dr.Hirday Paul Singh, Joint Director (Information & Public Relations) for and on behalf of CSK Himachal Pradesh Agriculture University, Palampur 176062 INDIA