Fri Sep 05 06:51:17 UTC 2025: **Summary:**
An expert committee in Karnataka, India, led by former chief secretary T.M. Vijay Bhaskar, has recommended transforming the state’s agricultural and allied universities into integrated universities. This shift aims to move away from the current compartmentalized approach where universities focus solely on agriculture or horticulture. The committee believes integrated universities will better support farmers by promoting integrated farming methods and cultivating multiple crops for sustainable agriculture. The initial phase excludes the Karnataka Veterinary, Animal and Fisheries Sciences University (KVAFSU) due to its specialized needs, but envisions its integration later. The recommendation follows the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR)’s thinking and a recent division that sparked a review.
**News Article:**
**Karnataka Poised to Revolutionize Agricultural Education with Integrated Universities**
**Bengaluru, September 5, 2025** – In a move that promises to reshape agricultural education and support for farmers, the Karnataka government is considering a proposal to convert its agricultural and allied universities into integrated institutions. A committee of experts, led by former chief secretary T.M. Vijay Bhaskar, submitted a report on September 4th recommending the overhaul.
Currently, Karnataka’s agricultural universities are specialized, focusing on either agriculture or horticulture. The committee argues that this compartmentalized approach hinders farmers who require a holistic approach to farming. Integrated universities, they suggest, will promote integrated farming methods, fostering the cultivation of diverse crops for sustainable agriculture.
“The current system requires farmers to approach multiple institutions for different aspects of their farming needs,” a source familiar with the report said. “An integrated university will provide a one-stop solution, promoting efficiency and sustainability.”
The proposal will initially exclude the Karnataka Veterinary, Animal and Fisheries Sciences University (KVAFSU) due to its specialized infrastructure and expertise. However, the committee envisions integrating veterinary sciences into the curriculum of all agricultural universities in the future, as they develop the capacity. The plan also maps the geographical areas to the six universities in the state.
The restructuring will avoid disrupting the existing operation of the current universities.
The recommendation follows the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR)’s consideration of integrated universities and a recent governmental decision to create a separate University of Agricultural Sciences-Mandya, which prompted a broader review of the agricultural education landscape. While the University of Horticultural Sciences-Bagalkot has expressed some reservations, the report enjoys broad support and is expected to be taken up by the Karnataka government in the coming weeks. If implemented, this initiative could set a precedent for agricultural education across India.
First Piper 