Maharana Pratap University of Agriculture and Technology, Udaipur (MPUAT), the second Agricultural University of the state, (initially named as Agricultural University, Udaipur) came into existence on 1st November, 1999 by bifurcation of the Rajasthan Agricultural University, Bikaner through promulgation of Government of Rajasthan Ordinance No. 6 of 1999, which became an Act in May, 2000. This has been done in view of wide physiographic variation including crops, cropping pattern, climate, soil parameters, etc. in the largest state of the country. Moreover, it was difficult to manage stipulated task of teaching, research and extension activities as per the mandate set-forth through a single University in the state. Besides this, it provides new fillip to location specific programmes more suited to tribal belt specifically for the southern Rajasthan. The University started functioning in full swing with effect from December 1, 1999.
The jurisdiction of the university include constituent colleges, Agricultural Research Stations (ARSs), Agricultural Research Sub Stations (ARSSs), Livestock Research Station (LRS), Dryland Farming Research Station (DFRS), and Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) spread over 12 districts of the south and south eastern part of the state of Rajasthan. These districts are Udaipur, Rajsamand, Dungarpur, Banswara, Chittorgarh, Bhilwara and Pratapgarh.
Vision and Mission
The university's main objective is to train need based quality human resource in consonance with need of the public and private sector organizations, conduct basic and applied research to solve both the existing and long term problems; and arrange Human Resource Development (HRD) programmes for effective transfer of technology to the officers and supervisory staff of the Departments of Agriculture, Horticulture, Forestry, Soil Conservation and Watershed Management, Animal Husbandry, etc.
The specific objectives are as follows:
The extension and research programmes have regional functions and are based upon priorities and requirements of identified micro-farming situations in three agro-climatic zones of the state.
To achieve the above objectives, the university has made untiring efforts and all developmental plans were strategically and effectively implemented, which resulted into rapid and systematic progress in all spheres of teaching, research and extension. The university has a good status among the Agricultural Universities in the country. This has become possible with the unstinted and genuine support of Government of Rajasthan and the Indian Council of Agricultural Research. University is now actively involved in upliftment of socio-economic conditions of farming community particularly tribal in the south and south eastern Rajasthan by promoting efficiency in use of natural resources, ecological security and sustainability in productivity by crop diversification, quality seed production etc. Concerted efforts are being made on utilization of indigenous resources of energy, integrated nutrient management involving bio-fertilizers and vermi-composting, diversification of cropping systems, integrated pest management, judicious use of scarcely available irrigation water, rainwater harvesting management, processing and value addition, farm mechanization, women empowerment and ergonomics of farm women, entrepreneurial promotion, livestock improvement and production in order to attain a sustainable farming system. The university also supports the Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices with the data base for cost of production estimates of major crops required for minimum support price policy of the Government of India.
