Question : ASSISTANCE TO AGRICULTURAL UNIVERSITIES

(a) the number of agricultural universities in the country,State-wise;

(b) whether the Government provides any financial assistance to the such universities and colleges;

(c) if not, the reasons therefor;

(d) whether the Government proposes to prepare a State-wise list of agricultural universities and to provide assistance for the expansion of agriculture and other related activities as per their area of specialization;

(e) if so, the details thereof;

(f) whether in the agriculture dominated areas of the country including eastern Rajasthan, agricultural university have not been set up;

(g) if so, the reasons therefor; and

(h) the steps taken to set up agricultural university/college in agriculture dominated areas?

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD & PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION (PROF. K.V. THOMAS)

(a) The list of Agricultural Universities (State-wise) is at Annexure-I.

(b) Yes, Madam. ICAR provides limited financial assistance to the State Agricultural Universities under the Plan scheme “Strengthening and Development of Agricultural Education”.

(c) Does not arise.

(d) & (e): The Government provides assistance as per the specific area and strength of the University. The Universities cater to various specific area demands of their regions. In Himachal Pradesh, for example the support is given for Hill Agriculture and Horticulture. The Niche Area of Excellence is another mechanism by which 30 centres of Excellence are promoted in 30 Universities.

(f) & (g): Agriculture, including higher agricultural education, is a state subject. The Government of Rajasthan have so far established agricultural universities at Udaipur and Bikaner.

(h) Agricultural Education is a State subject. Decision to set up any Agricultural University or College rests with the State Government. Only one Central Agricultural University has been set up in Imphal, to complement the efforts of the State Governments of the North Eastern Region.