Name of the University

 

Swami Keshwanand Rajasthan Agricultural University, Bikaner, Rajasthan

 

Year of Establishment

 

August 1, 1987 by promulgation of an ordinance (#13 of 1987) later on enacted by an Act (#39 of 1987).

 

Vision

 

University works with the vision of “Agriculture is the noblest of all professions”.

Overall agro ecological and sustainable development for the prosperity of Rajasthan State.

 

Mission

 

The University affirms its commitment to the cause of human resource development, research and extension education activities in agriculture and its allied subjects for inclusive societal development in nation building. It endeavors to keep pace with new frontiers of science & contemporary development to be socially and technically relevant through multidisciplinary efforts and optimizing organizational team performance aiming towards excellent and better visibility.

 

Jurisdiction / Area of Operation

 

The University caters to the agricultural need of six arid and semi-arid north western districts of Rajasthan under agro climatic zone 1b & 1c comprising of Bikaner, Jaisalmer, Churu, Sri Ganganagar, Hanumangarh and Jhunjhunu covering three agro-climatic zones of the State. Its multi-faceted activities are carried out through a network of seven constituent colleges, two Agricultural Research Stations, one Agricultural Research Sub-station. Besides, there is a National Seed Project unit of ICAR with three seed farms at Beechwal, Khara and Rojari. The extension activities are carried out through seven Krishi Vigyan Kendras and an Agricultural Technology Information Centre (ATIC).

 

Educational Programmes offered (PG/ UG/ Ph.D/ Diploma)

 

The university has seven constituent colleges viz.: College of Agriculture at Bikaner, Sri Ganganagar, Hanumangarh, Mandawa, Jhunjhunu, Chandgothi, Churu and twenty two affiliated colleges to offer various degree programmes:

Faculty of Agriculture offers a four year (eight semester) B.Sc. (Hons.) Ag. Programme.

 

·         M.Sc. Ag. offers two year (four semester) M.Sc. (Ag.) programme in nine disciplines viz. Agronomy, Agricultural Economics, Biotechnology, Entomology, Horticulture, Genetics & Plant Breeding, Plant Pathology, Soil Science and Agricultural Extension & Communication.

 

·         Ph.D. in 8 disciplines viz. Agronomy, Agricultural Economics, Entomology, Horticulture, Genetics & Plant Breeding, Plant Pathology, Soil Science and Agricultural Extension & Communication.

 

Faculty of Community Science offers B.Sc. (Hons.) Community Science and B.Sc. (Hons.) Food, Nutrition and Dietetics

 

·      M.Sc. Community Science in Food and Nutrition, Extension Education and Communication Management, Human Development and Family Studies, Resource Management and Consumer Science.

 

·      Ph.D. Community Science in Food and Nutrition, Extension Education and Communication Management.

 

·      PG Diploma in Nutrition and Dietetics

 

Major Area of Research

 

With the mission of contributing towards sustainable development of agriculture in the state, Swami Keshwanand Rajasthan Agricultural University has an important mandate of research for development of new varieties of crops and its seed production, as well as, technologies for the benefit of farmers. Agricultural research is carried out at 3 research stations (2 main stations and 1 sub-station) covering three agro climatic zones spread over 6 districts out of a total of 33 districts of the state. Presently, 14 + 1 All India Coordinated Research Projects, 37 short/ long term projects and many non-plan projects are being undertaken to develop production and protection technologies. Major areas of research including crop improvement in groundnut, cotton, moth bean, cluster bean, pearl millet, forage crops, gram, mustard and Horticultural crops - date palm, kinnow, Water management, Soil salinity, Soil fertility (STCR). Total number of varieties developed since inception: (148Cereals and millets-28, Legume and pulses-56, Oilseeds-31, Cotton-8, Seed spices-13, Vegetable-7, Pasture grasses & forage crops-4, Tumba-1. Over 400 agro techniques have been generated

 

Highlights of Extension Education Activities – (Including Number of KVKs, Training Programmes / Certificate Courses, etc.)

 

Seven KVKs: The Directorarte of Extension Education administers 7 Krishi Vigyan Kendras spread over six districts viz., Sriganganagar, Hanumangarh, Bikaner, Jaisalmer, Churu and Jhunjhunu representing three agro-climatic zones viz., Padampur (Sriganganagar), Beechwal (Bikaner), Lunkaransar (Bikaner), Jaisalmer, Pokaran (Jaisalmer), Abusar (Jhunjhunu), Chandgothi (Churu)

 

Major Activities included training for the in-service employees of central and state Government, line departments, trainings for farmers, farm women, rural youth and field functionaries. Front-line Demonstrations to demonstrate the genetic production potential of improved crop varieties and to disseminate latest proven technologies of oilseeds and pulses production among the farmers with the view to reduce the time lag between technology generated and its adoption.  In these demonstrations, all the newly unfolded technologies are carried out under the direct supervision of scientists and technicians of KVKs by supplying the critical inputs. On farm testing programme to identify suitable solutions of the location specific problems being faced by farmers in the adopted villages. These problems may be related to crops, fruit, vegetables, animal husbandry or any field in agriculture mass educational activities such as field days, farmers’ fair, exhibitions, press release, farmer scientist-interaction, diagnostic services, educational tours, night camps, film shows etc. are organized by KVKs throughout the year. To provide good quality seed to the farmers, Truthfully Labeled (TFL) seed production programme is being taken up by some Krishi Vigyan Kendras on their instructional farms. Further, one year training programme on Horticulture & Nursery Management sponsored by the Department of Horticulture, Govt. of Rajasthan under National Horticulture Mission (NHM), is being offered by Directorate of Extension Education with the capacity of 25 youth from various districts of Rajasthan. ATIC is functioning on 'single window delivery system' for meeting the requirements of the farmers in terms of new technology, seeds/planting material of improved varieties, vaccines, diagnostic facility, literature, which was quite innovative and would help in bringing the institutions/SAUs closer to the farmers. Other activities included Adoption of Village for development as Smart Village Mera Gaon Mera Gaurav and Monthly News Paper ‘Chokhi Kheti’ is being published regularly since February 2002 covering all research-based articles useful for the farming community

 

Diploma certificate in Agricultural Extension Services for Input Dealers (DAESI)

Certificate Courses in: Jal Bachat Kheti, Jaivik Krishi, Mushroom ki Unnat Kheti, Poultry farming and Value Added Products from Harvested Fruits & Vegetables

 

Strength of the University

 

1.      The university offers teaching, research and extension activities which are most suitable to the agrarian needs of the state.  The university is situated in arid and semi-arid agro-climatic zone having two distinct conditions for cultivation i.e. Irrigated (Canal as well as tubewell) and rainfed, hence, provides the best opportunity to the staff and students to familiarize them with the conditions and requirements of the region, varied variety of researches which directly affect the growth and development of not only the state’s rural economy but also that of the nation as the future Green Revolution has to come from grey areas of the rainfed and arid areas.

2.      The university has premier institutes, viz. College of Agriculture, Institute of Agri-Business Management, and College of Home Science at Bikaner. The university has a network of 2 Agricultural Research Stations/1 Sub-stations, and 7 Krishi Vigyan Kendras.

3.      University is offering Masters in 13 subjects and Ph.D. in 11 subjects through its three constituent colleges.

4.      Library facility in each college along with a central library having good number of books and periodicals. The college libraries provide textbook bank facility to the students for the whole semester on rental basis. The rental facility is freely available to the SC/ST students. Digitization of Ph.D. theses is completed and accessible to university network.  Central Library was upgraded with the financial help received under NATP.  There is good number of books and periodicals in central as well as college libraries. Central library has required database available along with CeRA. Facilities of computers, printers, scanners, and CD writer, photocopying etc. are available to the users in University Central Library.

5.      University has total 1299 ha of land which can be used for different purposes.

6.      University has good infrastructure.  Many buildings were constructed with the aid from World Bank which are in good condition. Basic infrastructural facilities and amenities for the overall growth and development of every unit are available. Research stations and KVKs also have adequate infrastructural facilities with well supported information and communication technologies including basic facilities

7.      In addition to regular research activities, university has provided infrastructural facilities for need based research, specially for seed production, integrated pest management, pressurized irrigation system etc. pertaining to the requirements of agro-climatic/regional priorities. Krishi Vigyan Kendras have a vast area under agricultural crops, horticulture, seed production, demonstrations, etc. equipped with vermi-compost, water harvesting structures, poly house(s), nursery, plantation facilities etc. Poly/net/green/glass house area viable for conducting post graduate research in various disciplines of agricultural faculty.

8.      The university provides additional facilities of banking/postal/medical/ /shopping centre etc., which help the students/staff in saving time and concentrate more on productive use for efficient utilization of time. Also, for the convenience of staff and employees, adequate residential quarters are available within the campuses of nearly all the units of the university.

9.      There is very good stadium in the university and gymnasium facility in certain hostels.

10.  For regular performance improvement of faculty/employees/ extension functionaries, etc. a fully equipped Directorate of Human Resource Development is functional since, 1996.

11.  Bikaner city and surrounding districts, at their initial stage of exploring and establishing agriculture-based industries, provide ample scope for the emerging techno-managers.

12.  Continuous extension activities have brought all the units of the university at a very prestigious level in their respective areas.

13.  “Vidya Mandap” an auditorium with large seating capacity.

 

Major Achievements

 

1.      University has developed about 148 varieties and more than 400 crop management and plant protection technologies. Some varieties are ruling in specific areas. Some of the most popular varieties are Raj 1482, Raj 3077, Raj 3065 of  Wheat, RD 2035, RD 2715 of  Barley, GNG 1581, Samrat, Vardan of Chickpea, RMO 40, RMO 257, RMO 435 of Mothbean, RGC 936, RGC 1003 of Clusterbean, HNG 10, HNG 69 of Groundnut, RGN 229, RGN 223 of Mustard and RG 8 of Desi cotton. Out of the total breeder seed production of Chickpea, GNG1581 variety occupied 10 per cent of the total breeder seed production in the country for the year 2014-15.

2.      University has produced 14505 graduates, 3560 PG and 677 Ph.D. students so far.  Alumni of the university are holding higher positions at state and national level.

3.      The university as well as college placements facilitate the students to fetch better jobs in various sectors. Placement record of the students of College of Agriculture is good and the Institute of Agri-Business Management established in 2000 has developed into an important centre of higher education and training in Agri-business has excellent placement record. Students of College of Agriculture also have good placement record.

4.      Best KVK award by ICAR for KVK, Abusar, Jhunjhunu

5.      Best coordinated centre for AICRP on mustard, ARS, Sriganganagar

6.      Best coordinated centre for AICRP on chickpea, ARS, Sriganganagar

 

Niche Area of Excellence

 

·           Water Management

·           Crop improvement in moth bean and pasture grasses

 

Status of Autonomy

 

Autonomous body

 

Funding support received (from State and other agencies)

 

Rs. 8734.19 Lakhs (2021-22)

 

Faculty Position

Sanctioned:    254 (Teaching)/ 508 (Non-Teaching)

In Position:       98                         289

Vacant:             156                       219

 

Student Intake

 UG:    500

 PG:    193

 Ph.D.:43

 

Contact Details

 

Name of Vice Chancellor:   Dr Arun Kumar

Telephone (Office):             0151-2250488, 2250443

Telephone (Residence):      0151-2250469, 2250529

Email:                                   vcrau@raubikaner.org

Website:                               www.raubikaner.org