Agricultural education and research in India have a long and illustrious history, shaped by visionary leaders and dedicated scientists. One such institution that has played a crucial role in agricultural advancements is the University of Agricultural Sciences (UAS), Bangalore. Its journey, spanning over a century, is a testament to the commitment of various leaders and academicians towards strengthening agricultural research and education in India.



The Beginnings: A Royal Vision

The foundation for agricultural research in Karnataka was laid in 1899 when Her Excellency Maharani Kempa Nanjammanni Vani Vilasa Sannidhi, the Regent of Mysore, generously donated 30 acres of land at Hebbal for an Experimental Agricultural Station. This station aimed to conduct pioneering research on soil and crop response under the supervision of Dr. Lehmann, a German scientist appointed to lead the initiative within the Directorate of Agriculture.

The Growth of Agricultural Research and Education

In 1906, Dr. Leslie Coleman, a Canadian entomologist and mycologist, succeeded Dr. Lehmann and dedicated 25 years to agricultural research with a deep sense of missionary zeal. Under his tenure, the Experimental Station was expanded to 202 acres, including 30 acres of wetland, receiving an annual rainfall of 808 mm.

A significant development took place in 1913 when Sir M. Visvesvaraya, the then Diwan of Mysore, played a crucial role in establishing the Mysore Agriculture Residential School at Hebbal. Dr. Leslie Coleman was appointed as the first Director of Agriculture, Mysore, and led the school, which offered a Licentiate in Agriculture to 15 students annually.

Establishment of Agricultural Education Institutions

The journey of structured agricultural education took a giant leap in 1946 when Mr. M.A. Srinivasan, the Minister of Agriculture, initiated the establishment of Agriculture College, Hebbal. The institution was affiliated with the University of Mysore and offered a four-year professional degree program in agriculture. Later, in 1956, Sri Kengal Hanumanthaiah, the Chief Minister of Karnataka, laid the foundation stone for a new building of the Agriculture College.

Formation of the University of Agricultural Sciences (UAS), Bangalore

The establishment of a full-fledged agricultural university gained momentum in 1961 when the Government of India (GOI) formed the Agricultural University Committee, headed by Dr. Ralph Cummings from the Rockefeller Foundation. The committee’s visit to Hebbal, Bangalore, in June 1961 resulted in a favorable report, recommending the formation of an Agricultural University.

In April 1963, under the leadership of Sri S. Nijalingappa, the Chief Minister of Mysore, the government decided to establish UAS Bangalore following the Land Grant College system of the USA. The University of Agricultural Sciences Bill (Act No. 22) was passed and received the assent of the President of India on May 25, 1963. The government allocated 1300 acres for the Gandhi Krishi Vigjana Kendra (GKVK) Campus.

Inauguration and Expansion

  • On June 12, 1964, Dr. K.C. Naik, an MSc, Ph.D. graduate from Bristol University and a specialist working with USAID, was appointed as the first Vice-Chancellor of UAS Bangalore.
  • On August 21, 1964, UAS Bangalore was inaugurated by Dr. Zakir Hussain, the Vice President of India, in the esteemed presence of Mr. Chester Bowles, the U.S. Ambassador to India, and Sri S. Nijalingappa, the then Chief Minister of Karnataka.
  • In 1969, Smt. Indira Gandhi, the Prime Minister of India, inaugurated the GKVK campus on July 12.

Integration of Colleges and Research Centers

The growth of UAS Bangalore was marked by the inclusion of multiple institutions:

  • In 1958, the Veterinary College, Hebbal was established.
  • On October 1, 1965, Agriculture Colleges at Hebbal and Dharwad, Veterinary College at Hebbal, 35 research stations across Karnataka, and 45 ICAR schemes from State Departments of Agriculture, Horticulture, Animal Husbandry, and Fisheries were integrated into UAS Bangalore.
  • The Marine Product Processing Training Centre (MPPTC) at Mangalore and Krishi Vignana Kendra, Hanumanamatti, Dharwad district were later transferred to the university.

Further Developments in Agricultural Education

  • In 1969, the Fisheries College was established in Mangalore to provide training in Bachelor of Fisheries Science.
  • The Agricultural Engineering Institute at Raichur was set up to offer a three-year diploma in Agricultural Engineering.
  • In 1974, the Home Science College was established in Dharwad to impart education in rural home science.
  • Additionally, a College of Basic Sciences and Humanities and a College of Post-Graduate Studies were set up at Hebbal.

The evolution of the University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore, stands as a beacon of progress in agricultural research and education. With its deep roots in history, it has grown into a premier institution, shaping the future of Indian agriculture by nurturing scientific research and academic excellence. The contributions of visionary leaders and dedicated academicians have laid a strong foundation for generations of agricultural professionals, ensuring continued innovation and advancement in the field.

The journey of UAS Bangalore reflects the remarkable strides made in agricultural science, serving as an inspiration for future scholars and researchers. With a legacy built on commitment and excellence, it continues to be a center of knowledge, innovation, and sustainable agricultural development in India.