Nagpur: Best known for being the producer of the finest quality of Oranges (Nagpur Oranges), this city will soon have another reason to boast. Reportedly, the first ever open agricultural University of India will be set up in Nagpur. The announcement was made by Ranjeet Deshmukh, the Former Agriculture Minister of Maharashtra, who will be the head of the University. The proposed University would be known as “Arvind Krushi Mukta Vidyapeeth”, named after his father.
The varsity would be completely devoted to in offering its students practical education in the field of agriculture. Explaining more, Deshmukh stated that while serving on the post of agriculture minister, he had observed many serious issues plaguing the farmers, like poor yields, low wages, crop damage due to ill-timed or insufficient rains etc. Therefore, some field experts and his team, together, came up with the concept of an open agricultural University. This varsity would not only educate farmers, but also train them to tackle such odds, he added.
Adding more to the excitement, Ashok Dhage, the new Vice-Chancellor of the University, informed that the University authorities have already applied for registration to the Distance education Society, New Delhi, and are looking forward to get it done in next two weeks. Further, Mukund Gaekwad, who has been appointed as the Chancellor of the new University, informed that at first, the University will start with study centres and training programmes in Vidarbha as well as Nagpur. However, gradually with time and successful outcomes, the varsity will offer its benefits to students all over the country.
Mukund Gaekwad is a renowned name in the field of agricultural education and a visiting professor of agriculture in various International Universities. He has alo served as the Former Head of Horticulture Department at Mahatma Phule Agriculture University, Rahuri. Apart from the Gaekwad, the University has a number of experts in its managing committee, such as Subhash Nalange, Farm Consultant and Scientist; B N Shinde, weather specialist; Jyoti Surse, value addition expert, PDKV's former Vice-Chancellor C D Mayee, Ramesh Fiske.
Identifying the uniqueness of the proposed Agricultural University, Deshmukh said that while traditional agricultural universities offer practical training to its students at the end of the three to five years of education, this University is working on a plan to reform the typical farm education, by giving it a practical foundation. He also pointed out that the courses of this University will be drafted as per the local needs, like, if in Vidarbha where cotton, soyabean and paddy are main crops, the courses will be designed to suit the improvement of these crops.
