Introduction
Established on August 5, 2010, Bihar Agricultural University, Sabour, serves as a foundational and strategic agricultural institution in the state of Bihar. It focuses on providing education at the graduate and postgraduate levels, conducting basic, strategic, applied, and adaptive research, ensuring effective technology transfer, and enhancing the capacity of farmers and extension personnel. The university comprises six academic units (five in agriculture and one in horticulture) and twelve research units across three agro-ecological zones in Bihar. Additionally, it has 22 extension units (Krishi Vigyan Kendras) under its jurisdiction.Bihar Agricultural University, Sabourhas been accredited by the prestigious Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR). This accreditation is a testament to its commitment to excellence in agricultural education, research, and innovation.
Bihar State, blessed with abundant natural gifts of soil and water resources, along with diverse climatic conditions, holds immense potential for varied agricultural production. The Bihar Agricultural University's operational domain spans 25 districts in Bihar, including Araria, Arwal, Aurangabad, Banka, Bhabhua, Bhagalpur, Bhojpur, Buxar, Gaya, Jamui, Jehanabad, Katihar, Kishanganj, Khagaria, Lakhisarai, Madhepura, Munger, Nalanda, Nawada, Patna, Purnia, Rohtas, Saharsa, Sheikhpura, Khagaria, and Supaul, addressing the specific needs of these fertile regions. The university's headquarters is situated atSabour, Bhagalpur in the state, actively involved in education, research on farmers' issues, and technology transfer under its extension mandate.
Agricultural Education
The University provides admission in undergraduate degree programs in Agriculture and Horticulture across six different campuses/colleges. Master's and Ph.D. degree programs are also offered in the faculties of Agriculture. The residential requirement is eight semesters for undergraduate programs, four semesters for Master's, and six semesters for the Ph.D. degree program. Our Academic Units are
- Academic Units I: Bihar Agricultural College, Sabour, Bhagalpur
- Academic Units II: Nalanda College of Horticulture, Noorsarai
- Academic Units III: Mandan Bharti Agricultural College, Saharsa
- Academic Units IV: Veer Kunwar Singh College of Agriculture, Dumraon
- Academic Units V: BholaPaswanShastri Agricultural College, Purnea
- Academic Units VI: Dr Kalam Agricultural College, Kishanganj
Agricultural Research
Bihar Agricultural University shoulders the crucial responsibility of enhancing crop improvement, fostering horticulture and livestock production, and managing agricultural activities. The university is also deeply committed to conducting research aimed at improving overall agricultural production in agro-climatic zones II, III A, and III-B, which encompass a significant portion of the state. The university is engaged in advancing natural and genetic resource management, diversifying production systems, and developing value-added crop and livestock products.Integral to the research initiatives are social, economic, and policy components, essential for achieving sustainable development goals and maximizing the impact of research outputs. The university strategically organizes research programs into six distinct sub-groups, namely crop improvement, natural resource management, crop protection, social sciences, product development and marketing, and animal science. These programs fall within the purview of different university units, such as the Colleges of Agriculture in Sabour, Buxar, Saharsa, Purnea, and Kishanganj; the College of Horticulture in Noorsarai, Nalanda; and various regional research stations, encompassing student projects, planned projects, non-plan and seed money projects.To augment its research endeavours, Bihar Agricultural University has established collaborations with numerous national and international institutes of repute. Strong linkages exist with ICAR institutes, including the Directorate of Rice Research, Directorate of Wheat Research, Indian Institute of Pulse Research, Indian Institute of Vegetable Research, Indian Institute of Farming System Research, Directorate of Maize Research, Central Plantation Crop Research Institute, Central Institute of Subtropical Horticulture, National Dairy Research Institute, Indian Veterinary Research Institute, and others. The University actively engages with international organizations such as the International Rice Research Institute, International Centre for Maize and Wheat Improvement, International Crop Research Institute for Semi-Arid Tropics, and International Plant Nutrient Institute. These collaborations focus on diverse areas, ranging from stress-tolerant rice and maize hybrids to improving chickpeas, groundnuts, and pigeon pea breeding.
Agricultural Extension
Bihar Agricultural University has undertaken numerous initiatives in the field of extension education, earning considerable credit. The university has successfully experimented with new methods for technology transfer to farmers. Many technologies that the university has managed to popularize among farmers were developed in-house. To enhance access and capacity building for farmers in the state, the university has established a knowledge network and dissemination system, leveraging Information and Communication Technology. The Electronic Media and Production Centre (EMPC), equipped with audio and video studios, PCR room, recording/editing room, digital archives, library, and auxiliary facilities, has been established for multimedia development/production.Additionally, the university has created an agriculture e-portal for webcasting using the Web Portal for agriculture-related services, providing SMS facilities to farmers with high-speed internet connectivity. The web portal continuously update and augment comprehensive information about the recommended package of practices for mandated crops in the form of video/audio/multimedia. The university headquarters is connected to all the Extension Units- Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) to facilitate timely and relevant communication with farmers.The university extension wing also focuses on generating employment opportunities for unemployed rural youth, improving the standard of living, and enhancing overall health and well-being on farms.
Training
Training is a fundamental mandate of Bihar Agricultural University, as it plays a pivotal role in enhancing agricultural practices, promoting sustainability, and ensuring the overall development of the agricultural sector in the state. The training programs are designed to equip farmers with the knowledge, skills, and technologies necessary to optimize their agricultural productivity, adopt modern farming techniques, and address emerging challenges in the field. Bihar Agricultural University typically offer a range of training initiatives that cover various aspects of farming, including crop cultivation, livestock management, pest control, soil conservation, and sustainable farming practices. These programs often integrate the latest advancements in agricultural science and technology, ensuring that farmers stay updated on the best practices and innovations in the field.Furthermore, the training provided by university extends beyond traditional farming methods and encompasses areas such as agribusiness management, marketing strategies, and value addition to agricultural products. This holistic approach aims to empower farmers not only as producers but also as entrepreneurs who can contribute to the economic growth of rural communities.