JOIN USThe University of Agricultural Sciences (UAS), Bangalore, has proposed to increase the agriculturist quota for admissions to farm science courses in all the farm universities in Karnataka.
Presently, there is a 23.8 per cent reservation for agriculturists and children of agriculturists interested in pursuing courses in farm varsities in the State. The university has now proposed to increase the quota to 40 per cent to create more opportunities for students from rural areas.
This year, under the agriculturist quota, the university received about 15,000 applications for the 550 available seats, according to officials at the UAS. The university also proposes to increase seats in general, considering the increase in demand for courses offered here.
The number of applications have increased this time, and for the first time, admissions to farm courses are being conducted through Common Entrance Test (CET).
UAS Vice-Chancellor Dr K Narayana Gowda told mediapersons on the university campus here on Tuesday said: “The increase in reservation for agriculturist quota is in the proposal stage as of now. It has to come through legislation. Implementation will take time. For this year, we will continue with the existing reservation structure for the quota.”
Golden jubilee
The university, as part of its golden jubilee celebrations slated for June 6, 2013, has lined up programmes promoting agricultural activities, throughout the year.
To begin with, the National Seed Congress will be held on June 8 this year; inauguration of Centre of Excellence on Small Millets in July; later in the year, the university is planning to hold a Agri-Uni fest, in which all the 65 agri universities in the country will take part.
The annual ‘Krishi Mela’ will be an international event this year, with the focus on farm mechanisation, said the Vice-Chancellor.