Set up central agri varsity in Raichur: Ktaka to Centre

The Karnataka government on Wednesday urged the Centre to set up a central agriculture university in Raichur, one of the most backwards districts in the state.

The demand was made in a meeting with Union Agriculture Minister Radha Mohan Singh by Animal Husbandry Minister Venkatrao Nadagowda here.

"There is Government of India's land to the tune of 7,000 acres in Jawalagere village in Sindhanur taluk, Raichur district. We have requested the Union government to set up a central agriculture university on this land," Nadagouda told reporters after the meeting.

Raichur district is one of the aspirational districts identified by the central government for development. Setting up of an agri varsity will enable to harness the potential of the human resource of the region to the maximum level, he said.

This would also improve livelihood and employment opportunities in the most backward and arid region of the state, he added.

If a varsity is not possible to establish, Nadagowda said the state government has requested the central government to at least set up an agricultural research institute.

He also sought the release of central share amount sanctioned for several schemes related to fishery and animal husbandry for the current fiscal.