For the first time ever, we could soon witness the opening of private agricultural colleges in the state.
University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore (UAS-B), has submitted a proposal to the state government to allow it to offer affiliation to private educational trusts to start colleges offering exclusive specialised courses in agricultural sciences.
The present University of Agricultural Sciences Act-1963 provides no provision for UAS, Bangalore or its sister varsity UAS, Dharwad, to allow or grant permission to private agricultural colleges.
Agriculture education has always been a government bastion. At present, UAS, Bangalore has, in its jurisdiction, six constituent colleges — College of Agriculture, GKVK, Bangalore; College of Agriculture, Navile, Shimoga; College of Agriculture, VC Farm, Mandya; College of Forestry, Ponnampet, Kodagu; College of Horticulture, Mudigere, Chikmagalur and College of Sericulture, Chintamani, Kolar.
 “There has been a consistent demand from private educational trusts to start agriculture education. We have considered it and have now requested the government to provide us suitable powers to permit them to open colleges”, newly-appointed UAS, Bangalore, Vice-Chancellor P G Chengappa told Deccan Herald.
Dr Chengappa says the move will help in increasing the reach of agriculture education. “It is time we tap this opportunity and open colleges offering exclusive agriculture education at least in every taluk headquarters”, he feels. However, the varsity will ensure that quality is maintained and colleges charge reasonable fees.