State Agricultural Universities in India: A Comprehensive Guide

India, with its vast agricultural landscape, relies heavily on its State Agricultural Universities (SAUs) to drive innovation, research, and education in farming and allied sciences. These institutions play a pivotal role in shaping the future of agriculture by offering specialized courses, conducting groundbreaking research, and providing extension services to farmers. This comprehensive guide explores the landscape of State Agricultural Universities in India, highlighting key institutions, their contributions, and how they empower farmers and students alike.

Whether you’re a student seeking admission, a farmer looking for modern techniques, or simply curious about agricultural education, this article covers everything you need to know about SAUs, including those in Karnataka, Maharashtra, and the prestigious Central Agricultural University.

What Are State Agricultural Universities?

State Agricultural Universities are specialized institutions established by state governments to promote agricultural education, research, and extension services. These universities focus on areas such as crop production, horticulture, animal husbandry, fisheries, and agricultural engineering. They aim to address region-specific agricultural challenges while contributing to national food security.

India is home to over 70 SAUs, each catering to the unique agricultural needs of its region. From the Acharya N.G. Ranga Agricultural University in Andhra Pradesh to the University of Agricultural Sciences in Karnataka, these institutions are the backbone of India’s agrarian economy.

Total State Agricultural Universities in India

As of 2025, India has more than 70 State Agricultural Universities, each with a distinct focus on regional crops, climate, and farming practices. These universities are spread across states like Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Uttar Pradesh, ensuring that every region benefits from localized agricultural expertise.

Some notable SAUs include:

Acharya N.G. Ranga Agricultural University, Hyderabad – Known for its research in rice and horticulture.
Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana – A pioneer in the Green Revolution.
Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore – Renowned for its work in tropical agriculture.

For a complete list of SAUs, refer to the table at the end of this article.

State Agricultural Universities in Karnataka

Karnataka, a state with diverse agro-climatic zones, is home to some of the most reputed agricultural universities in India. These institutions cater to the needs of farmers growing crops like ragi, sugarcane, and coffee. Here are the key State Agricultural Universities in Karnataka:

University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore – Established in 1964, this university is a leader in agricultural research and education, offering courses in agronomy, horticulture, and agricultural engineering.
University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad – Known for its work in dryland farming and crop improvement.
University of Agricultural Sciences, Raichur – Focuses on agriculture in the semi-arid regions of Karnataka.
University of Horticultural Sciences, Bagalkot – Specializes in horticulture, including fruit and vegetable cultivation.
Karnataka Veterinary, Animal and Fisheries Sciences University, Bidar – Focuses on veterinary sciences and fisheries.

These universities offer undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs, making Karnataka a hub for agricultural education.

Agriculture Universities in Maharashtra

Maharashtra, a leading agricultural state, hosts several prestigious agricultural universities that support its diverse farming community. From cotton to sugarcane, these institutions drive innovation in crop production and agribusiness. Below is a list of the 4 Agriculture Universities in Maharashtra:

Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth, Rahuri – Established in 1968, MPKV is renowned for its research in sugarcane, sorghum, and pulses.
Dr. Panjabrao Deshmukh Krishi Vidyapeeth, Akola – Specializes in cotton and soybean research, catering to Vidarbha’s farmers.
Vasantrao Naik Marathwada Krishi Vidyapeeth, Parbhani – Focuses on dryland agriculture and crop diversification.
Dr. Balasaheb Sawant Konkan Krishi Vidyapeeth, Dapoli – Known for its work in coastal agriculture, including mango and cashew cultivation.

Additionally, the Maharashtra Animal and Fishery Sciences University, Nagpur, supports veterinary and fishery education in the state.

Central Agricultural University: A National Hub

The Central Agricultural University (CAU), Imphal, established in 1993, is a premier institution under the Government of India. Unlike state-specific SAUs, CAU serves the northeastern states, offering programs in agriculture, horticulture, fisheries, and veterinary sciences. With constituent colleges across Manipur, Meghalaya, and other states, CAU plays a crucial role in promoting sustainable farming in the region.

CAU is known for its focus on organic farming, indigenous crop varieties, and climate-resilient agriculture, making it a vital institution for India’s northeastern farmers.

Acharya N.G. Ranga Agricultural University: A Legacy of Excellence

Located in Hyderabad, the Acharya N.G. Ranga Agricultural University (ANGRAU) is one of India’s oldest and most prestigious SAUs. Established in 1964, ANGRAU has been a leader in rice research, horticulture, and agricultural extension services. The university offers a wide range of programs, including:

B.Sc. (Agriculture, Horticulture)
M.Sc. (Crop Physiology, Soil Science)
Ph.D. in various agricultural disciplines

ANGRAU’s contributions to hybrid rice varieties and sustainable farming practices have made it a cornerstone of agricultural education in South India.

Top 10 Government Agricultural Universities in India

India boasts several world-class government agricultural universities that rank high in academic excellence and research output. Here’s a list of the Top 10 Government Agricultural Universities in India for 2025:

Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana – Pioneer of the Green Revolution.
Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi – Premier institute for agricultural research.
Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore – Leader in tropical agriculture.
G.B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar – First agricultural university in India.
Acharya N.G. Ranga Agricultural University, Hyderabad – Renowned for rice and horticulture research.
University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore – Hub for agricultural innovation in Karnataka.
CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar – Known for wheat and cotton research.
Central Agricultural University, Imphal – Focuses on northeastern agriculture.
Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth, Rahuri – Leader in Maharashtra’s agricultural education.
Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Kalyani – Prominent in West Bengal’s farming community.

These universities are recognized for their contributions to agricultural research, education, and farmer welfare.

Courses Offered by State Agricultural Universities

SAUs offer a wide range of programs tailored to the needs of students and the agricultural sector. Common courses include:

Undergraduate Programs: B.Sc. in Agriculture, Horticulture, Forestry, and Fisheries.
Postgraduate Programs: M.Sc. in Agronomy, Plant Pathology, and Agricultural Economics.
Doctoral Programs: Ph.D. in specialized fields like Biotechnology and Soil Science.
Diploma and Certificate Courses: Organic Farming, Agri-Business Management, and Seed Technology.

Admissions are typically based on entrance exams like ICAR AIEEA, state-level tests, or merit-based criteria.

Role of SAUs in Farmer Welfare

Beyond education, SAUs play a critical role in farmer welfare through:

Extension Services: Training programs and workshops for farmers.
Research and Development: Developing high-yield crop varieties and sustainable farming techniques.
Technology Transfer: Promoting precision farming, drip irrigation, and organic practices.

Institutions like the University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad, and Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth regularly conduct farmer outreach programs to bridge the gap between research and practice.

Challenges and Future of SAUs

While SAUs have made significant contributions, they face challenges like limited funding, outdated infrastructure, and the need to adapt to climate change. However, with advancements in digital agriculture, biotechnology, and sustainable practices, these universities are poised to lead India’s agricultural transformation.

The future of SAUs lies in:

Embracing precision agriculture and IoT-based farming.
Promoting climate-resilient crops.
Strengthening industry-academia collaborations.

Complete List of State Agricultural Universities in India

Below is a comprehensive list of State Agricultural Universities in India, along with their official websites:

Sr. No.	Name of the University	Web Address
1	Acharya N.G. Ranga Agricultural University, Hyderabad	www.angrau.ac.in
2	Agriculture University, Jodhpur	www.au-ju.org
3	Agriculture University, Kota	www.aukota.org
4	Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh	www.amu.ac.in
5	Anand Agricultural University, Anand	www.aau.in
6	Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat	www.aau.ac.in
7	Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Kalyani	www.bckv.edu.in
8	Bihar Agricultural University, Sabour, Bhagalpur	bausabour.ac.in
9	Birsa Agricultural University, Ranchi	www.baujharkhand.org
10	CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar	hau.ernet.in
11	Central Agricultural University, Imphal	www.cau.org.in
12	Central Institute of Fisheries Education, Mumbai	www.cife.edu.in
13	Ch. Sarwan Kumar Krishi Vishvavidyalaya, Palampur	hillagric.ac.in
14	Chandra Shekhar Azad University of Agriculture and Technology, Kanpur	www.csauk.ac.in
15	Chattisgarh Kamadhenu University, Raipur	cgkv.ac.in
16	Dr. Balasaheb Sawant Konkan Krishi Vidyapeeth, Dapoli	www.dbskkv.org
17	Dr. Panjabrao Deshmukh Krishi Vidyapeeth, Akola	www.pdkv.ac.in
18	Dr. Y.S. Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni-Solan	www.yspuniversity.ac.in
19	Dr. Y.S.R. Horticultural University, Venkataramannagudem	www.drysrhu.edu.in
20	G.B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar	www.gbpuat.ac.in
21	Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Ludhiana	www.gadvasu.in
22	Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi	www.iari.res.in
23	Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Bareilly	www.ivri.nic.in
24	Indira Gandhi Krishi Vishwavidyalaya, Raipur	www.igau.edu.in
25	Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi	www.bhu.ac.in
26	Jawaharlal Nehru Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Jabalpur	www.jnkvv.nic.in
27	Junagadh Agricultural University, Junagarh	www.jau.in
28	Kamdhenu University, Amreli	nisagenet.iasri.res.in
29	Karnataka Veterinary, Animal and Fisheries Sciences University, Bidar	www.kvafsu.kar.nic.in
30	Kerala Agricultural University, Thrissur	www.kau.edu
31	Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies, Panangad	www.kufos.ac.in
32	Kerala Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Lakkidi	www.kvasu.ac.in
33	Lala Lajpat Rai University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Hisar	luvas.edu.in
34	Maharana Pratap University of Agriculture and Technology, Udaipur	www.mpuat.ac.in
35	Maharashtra Animal and Fishery Sciences University, Nagpur	www.mafsu.in
36	Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth, Rahuri	mpkv.mah.nic.in
37	Manyavar Shri KanshiRam Ji University of Agriculture and Technology, Banda	mskjuat.edu.in
38	Nagaland University, Lumami, Zunheboto	www.nagauniv.org.in
39	Nanaji Deshmukh University of Veterinary Science, Jabalpur	www.mppcvv.org
40	Narendra Deva University of Agriculture and Technology, Faizabad	www.nduat.in
41	National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal	www.ndri.res.in
42	Navsari Agricultural University, Navsari	www.nau.in
43	Orissa University of Agriculture and Technology, Bhubaneswar	www.ouat.ac.in
44	Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana	www.pau.edu
45	Rajasthan University of Veterinary & Animal Sciences, Bikaner	www.rajuvas.org
46	Rajendra Agricultural University, Pusa, Samastipur	www.pusavarsity.org.in
47	Rajmata Vijayaraje Scindia Krishi Vishwa Vidyalaya, Gwalior	www.rvskvv.net
48	Rani Lakshmi Bai Central Agricultural University, Jhansi	www.iasri.res.in
49	Sam Higginbottom Institute of Agriculture, Technology & Sciences, Allahabad	www.shiats.edu.in
50	Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel University of Agriculture and Technology, Meerut	www.svbpmeerut.ac.in
51	Sardarkrushinagar Dantiwada Agricultural University, Sardarkrushinagar	www.sdau.edu.in
52	Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Science & Technology of Jammu, Jammu	nisagenet.iasri.res.in
53	Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences & Technology of Kashmir, Srinagar	skuastkashmir.ac.in
54	SKN Agriculture University, Jobner	www.sknau.ac.in
55	Shri Venkateswara Veterinary University, Tirupati	svvu.edu.in
56	Swami Keshwanand Rajasthan Agricultural University, Bikaner	www.raubikaner.org
57	Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore	www.tnau.ac.in
58	Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Chennai	www.tanuvas.ac.in
59	Tamilnadu Fisheries University, Nagapattinam	www.tnfu.org.in
60	U.P. Pt. Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Pashu Chikitsa Vigyan Vishwa Vidhyalaya Evem Go Anusandhan Sansthan, Mathura	www.upvetuniv.edu.in
61	University of Agricultural and Horticultural Sciences, Shimoga	uahs.in
62	University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore	www.uasbangalore.edu.in
63	University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad	www.uasd.edu
64	University of Agricultural Sciences, Raichur	www.uasraichur.edu.in
65	University of Horticultural Sciences, Bagalkot	uhsbagalkot.edu.in
66	Uttar Banga Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Cooch Behar	www.ubkv.ac.in
67	Uttarakhand University of Horticulture & Forestry, Bharsar, Pauri Garhwal	www.uuhf.ac.in
68	Vasantrao Naik Marathwada Krishi Vidyapeeth, Parbhani	www.mkv.ac.in
69	Visva-Bharati, Bolpur-Santiniketan	visva-bharati.ac.in
70	West Bengal University of Animal and Fishery Sciences, Belgachia	www.wbuafscl.ac.in

Conclusion

State Agricultural Universities in India are the backbone of the country’s agricultural progress. From pioneering research to empowering farmers with modern techniques, these institutions play a vital role in ensuring food security and sustainable development. Whether you’re exploring options in Karnataka, Maharashtra, or the Central Agricultural University, the opportunities for education and innovation are immense.

At Amhi Kastkar®, we are committed to supporting farmers and students by providing valuable resources and insights. Stay tuned for more updates on agricultural education, innovations, and practices!

FAQs About State Agricultural Universities in India

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