'Setting up horticultural university at Mudigere will benefit Malnad'

B C Aravind, former member of Academic Council of Bengaluru Agriculture University has said that setting up of a Horticultural University at Mudigere, will benefit the integrated development of horticulture crops in Malnad and coastal belts.

He said that Mudigere taluk has a Horticultural college, Zonal Agricultural and Horticultural Research Station along with Krishi Vigyan Kendra. The basic facilities in these centres will complement the setting up of a university. About 80% of the areas in and around Mudigere cultivates coffee, black pepper, arecanut, coconut, banana, chikkoo and mango. This necessitates the need to supply quality saplings to the growers.

Further, he said that Strawberry, Lychee, Carissa carandas and Durian fruits needs to be introduced to the Western Ghats region. There is also a need to create awareness among the farmers on cultivation of vegetables, floriculture and medicinal plants.

The setting up of a university will facilitate the cultivation of jackfruit on a commercial basis with required inputs from scientists.  
He also said that the experts from the university will help in value addition to the horticultural crops, along with creating awareness on post harvest technology for the crops.

'Letter to Commissioner'

Shivamogga University of Agricultural and Horticultural Sciences Vice Chancellor Prof P Narayanaswamy said that the proposal to set up a university at Mudigere is apt.

The copy of the letter written by the VC to Commissioner is available with DH. "The Horticultural University at Bagalkot has its jurisdiction across the state. The proposal of the State government to set up a separate university in Southern region is a welcome move."