Himachal Pradesh Krishi Vishvavidyalaya (now Chaudhary Sarwan Kumar Himachal Pradesh Krishi Vishvavidyalaya) was established on 1st November, 1978.The College of Agriculture (established in May, 1966) formed the nucleus of new farm University. It is an ISO 9001:2008 certified institution.
The University has been given the mandate for making provision for imparting education in agriculture and other allied branches of learning, furthering the advancement of learning and prosecution of research and undertaking extension of such sciences, especially to the rural people of Himachal Pradesh.
Over the years, this University has contributed significantly in transforming the farm scenario of Himachal Pradesh. Today, the State has earned its name for hill agricultural diversification and the farming community has imposed its faith in the University.
Academic Programmes
The University has four constituent colleges. The College of Agriculture has 13 departments, Dr.G.C.Negi College of Veterinary & Animal Science has 16 departments, the College of Home Science has five departments and the College of Basic Sciences has four departments. These colleges offer six Bachelor Degree programmes and the Dean, Post Graduate Studies offers 32 Masters Degree & 19 Doctoral Degree programmes. At present 1145 students are on roll and 5292 students have passed out from the University since its inception.
Research Activities
The Directorate of Research coordinates research in the field of agriculture, veterinary and animal sciences, home science and basic sciences. It has been giving priority to location specific, need based and problem oriented research with multi disciplinary approach at main campus Palampur, 3 Regional Research Stations (Bajaura, Dhaulakuan & Kukumseri) and 10 Research Sub-stations (Kangra, Malan, Nagrota, Salooni, Akrot, Berthin Sundernagar, Sangla, Leo & Lari) spread over in all districts of the State (except Solan and Shimla).
The University has developed need-based technology for the different regions of the State and has released 141 improved varieties of different crops. Around 500- 600 quintal breeder seed of different crop varieties is produced and supplied to the State Department of Agriculture for further multiplication and making it available among the farming community, every year. The University has released 13 improved agricultural tools to reduce drudgery in farming. Over 90 farm technologies have been recommended to the farmers. Three patents have been granted to the University by the Patent Office, Govt. of India. Successful research work has been done on natural resources management, animal diseases control, animal breeding, etc. and perfect technology has been developed for different regions of the State to enhance crop and animal production. Despite constant decrease in area under farming, crop yields have increased.
Extension Education
The Directorate of Extension Education shares the responsibility for planning, implementation and coordination of various extension education programmes of all the departments of four constituent colleges and research stations in close collaboration with the State Departments of Agriculture, Animal Husbandry, Fisheries and other concerned departments and institutions. It conducts a large number of trainings for farmers, livestock keepers, farm ladies, rural youth, etc. at main campus and at its eight Krishi Vigyan Kendras (Farm Science Centres) at Bajaura, Dhaulakuan, Hamirpur, Una, Mandi, Kangra, Berthin and Kukumseri. Agricultural Technology Information Center is serving as single window service to the farmers.
Due to the sincere and arduous work during the past thirty three years in the University, the State has traversed new paths of progress in the area of farming and it has become almost self sufficient on the food front. Harvests have become bountiful and the socio-economic status of the farming community has undergone a sea change.
Vital Statistics*
Academic programmes
Bachelor degree programmes = 6
Masters Degree programmes =32 (13 Vety.& AH, 12 Agri., 3 H.Sc. & 4 Basic Science)
Doctoral degree programmes = 19(8 Agri., 8 Vety. & AH and 2 Basic Science & 1 H.Sc.)
Varieties Released by the University
The University has released 141 improved varieties of different crops (Wheat 22, Paddy 19, Maize 9, Barley 5, Pulses 22, Vegetables 25, Oilseeds 21, Buckwheat 2, Sugarcane 1, Fodder 12 and Tea 2).
Staff Strength
Teachers/Scientists =296, Non-teachers =1538 (including 856 Class IV staff)
Area
Total Area at main campus: 403 hectares, Area at Out stations/KVKs: 190 ha
* As on 1 Nov. 2012
Important Telephone Numbers/Emails
Vice - Chancellor: 01894-230521 Fax: 230465 Email: vc@hillagric.ac.in
Registrar: 230383 Fax: 230511 Email: registrar@hillagric.ac.in
Director Extension Education: 230399 Fax: 230399 Email: dee@hillagric.ac.in
Director of Research: 230406 Fax: 230406 Email: dr@hillagric.ac.in
Jt. Director (Info. & Public Relations): 283108 Email: hirday@hillagric.ac.in
Incharge Hospitality: 01894-230332
Agricultural Technology Information Centre 01894-230295
University Website: http://hillagric.ac.in