Birsa Agricultural University, Ranchi

The Birsa Agricultural University was established in the year 1981 in the city of Ranchi, which was then a part of Bihar, but now the capital of Jharkhand state. It was built to develop technical sectoral knowledge in the areas of agriculture, forestry and animal husbandry. It has a huge campus built over 3551 acres of land. The objective is towards development of the Chhota- Nagpur plateau region in Jharkhand and the neighbouring states. The economic upliftment of the tribal population of the region becomes another key priority. Need- based and fundamental training is also to be provided towards areas- specific research on agriculture, fisheries, forestry and the veterinary sciences. Training programmes are also conducted for state and central government officials working in these areas. The university is named after Shri Birsa Munda, who was a revolutionary freedom fighter from the region. 

Academic courses are available here right from the UG till the doctoral levels. At the UG level, a BSc. (H) programme may be pursued in the fields of Agriculture and Forestry. The other UG programme is the B.V. Sc. & AH which expands as Bachelors of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry. Admissions to these programmes are via the nationally or state- wise recognized entrance exams. The majority of seats are reserved for candidates from the state of Jharkhand. This is why the maximum number of students are recruited via the Jharkhand Combined Competitive Entrance Examination. There are a few more courses on offer at the PG level. Just like its UG version, there is also the M.V. Sc. & AH. An MSc. is available in three areas which are- Agriculture, Forestry and Biotechnology. There is also an M. Tech in Agricultural Engineering. Finally, there is an MBA in Agribusiness. Doctoral programmes may also be pursued here at the Birsa Agricultural University in Ranchi. 

In addition, one can opt for diploma programmes as well here. These are meant for working professionals with some of them even being offered by the Department of Home Science. Self- employment is one of the objectives after completion of such programmes. Diplomas are available for programmes on- Food Processing, Watershed Management and in Aquaculture. Certifications are available for Fruit & Vegetable Processing Technology and in Aquaculture. 

The entire academics here is handled by a cohort of three faculties, each having expertise in its own area. There are also three colleges attached on campus. Other colleges functioning externally also have the affiliation from the Birsa Agricultural University. The faculties are in the areas of – Agriculture, Forestry and in Veterinary Science & Animal Husbandry. The internal colleges are named for – Horticulture, Agricultural Engineering and for Bio- Technology. Also affiliated are some external colleges, within the same state. The list includes the Rabindra Nath Tagore Agriculture College in Deoghar, the Tika Manjhi Agriculture College in Godda, College of Dairy Technology in Hansdiha and the Agriculture College in Garhwa. 

Research is also one of the key areas at the Birsa Agricultural University. To further the research credentials, there is the Centre of Agribusiness Management, that takes care of the MBA programme. The field- based research that is conducted is all then collated at a single cell to ensure the right storage and dissemination of information. This is why the ARIS Cell was created on campus. The University is also a signatory to the NAIP (National Agriculture Imagery Programme). It uses aerial footage to monitor trends in agriculture and farmland use. Several research projects have also been undertaken in collaboration with other bodies. These are known as the All India Coordinated Research Projects (AICRP). Such AICRPs have been conducted in areas such as- Post Harvest Technology, Utilization of Animal Energy, Agro Meteorology, Groundnut, Small Millets, Soybean, Pigs, Floriculture, Forage Crops, Rice Improvement, Tuber Crops, Tropical fruits and much more. 

The campus has much to offer. There are hostel facilities for both boys and girls. There is a sports field where cricket and football may be played. Facilities are also there for indoor sports. The gymnasium may also be used by all. A large auditorium is there to facilitate major events, at both intra and inter college level. The campus is Wi- Fi enabled. Science laboratories have the latest of equipment. A health centre is also there to cater to medical emergencies. Hygienic food is prepared at the college cafeteria. The college even has its own transport to ferry students to and from the campus. A convenience store is also located within campus. The library here is one of the best stocked within the region. Besides the physical books on display, it also provides digital access to en number of international academic journals for research and academic purposes.

Extension education is another important target area for the Birsa Agricultural University. For this purpose, the Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) has been initiated. A total of 16 KVKs across the state of Jharkhand report to this university. Farm advisory services are also offered by the Birsa Agricultural University. A lot of this is done in collaboration with local as well as national level NGOs. Supply and service of bio- fertilizers is also led by this wing of the university. Exposure visits are made for the students to the rural areas. By this the tillers also get to learn about the latest farm techniques.