NEWS – An expert committee chaired by former Chief Secretary T.M. Vijay Bhaskar has recommended the merger of agricultural and horticultural universities in Karnataka into broad-based, multidisciplinary institutions.

HIGHLIGHTS

Current Scenario

• For the past 20 years, agriculture, horticulture, and veterinary sciences have operated in silos.
• States like Tamil Nadu, Punjab, and Haryana have shown that unified universities can maintain high research standards.

Key Recommendations

• Merge farm-related institutions into multidisciplinary universities.
• Integrate related disciplines such as:
  • Sericulture
  • Forestry
  • Fisheries
  • Veterinary sciences
• Promote Integrated Farming Systems (IFS) for optimal resource use.
• Establish specialized departments (e.g., fruit sciences, post-harvest management).
• Provide stipends to students to encourage enrolment and retention.

Administrative Suggestions

• Introduce a rotation policy for Vice-Chancellors across various disciplines.
• Place the unified university under the Department of Horticulture, with the Minister serving as Pro-Chancellor.

Previous Efforts

• In 2019, a committee led by Dr. M.N. Sheelavantar proposed similar reforms.
• A 2023 panel was formed but did not submit a report.
• The current committee under T.M. Vijay Bhaskar was constituted in March 2024.

Opposition & Concerns

• Opposition from veterinary experts and horticulturists.
• Concerns include:
  • Dilution of research funding
  • Potential deregulation
  • Loss of disciplinary identity and focus