Chief Minister Revanth Reddy Inaugurates New Agriculture College in Nizamabad
In a significant development for agricultural education in Telangana, Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy is set to inaugurate a new agriculture college at Dichpally mandal in Nizamabad on Friday. This institution, spread over 120 acres, marks the 10th agriculture college in the state, reinforcing the government's commitment to expanding educational opportunities in this vital sector.
Strategic Expansion to Cover Unserved Districts
The Telangana government had previously decided to establish three new agriculture colleges to address gaps in coverage across united districts, including Nizamabad. This initiative aligns with the policy and guidelines developed by Professor Jayashankar Telangana State Agricultural University (PJTAU), which were formally submitted to the state government for approval.
Following recommendations from an expert committee, PJTAU identified Dichpally as an ideal location for the new college. The selection criteria included the availability of 120 acres of cultivable land with convenient access to state or national highways, ensuring logistical ease for students and staff.
Substantial Investment and Infrastructure Development
The government has sanctioned the necessary staff and approved a budget of Rs 123 crore per college for establishment costs. This substantial financial backing underscores the priority given to agricultural education and infrastructure development in Telangana.
The proposed agriculture college at Dichpally is designed to offer a comprehensive four-year undergraduate program in agriculture. Initially, the annual student intake is projected to be between 120 and 150, with plans to increase this number gradually over time. Within five to six years, the student strength is expected to reach approximately 1,000, based on an estimated annual intake of 250 students, which will also include a proposed postgraduate program.
State-of-the-Art Facilities and Educational Offerings
Planned facilities and activities at the new college are extensive and aimed at providing a holistic educational experience. Key features include:
- A research farm for advanced agricultural studies
- A seed farm dedicated to producing high-quality seeds for various crops
- A student farm for hands-on experiments and practical classes
- A model farm for demonstrating new technologies to local farmers
- A botanical garden for botanical studies and conservation
- A farmers' block for conducting training programs and workshops
In addition to academic and research facilities, the college will offer a range of student amenities to support campus life. These include hostels for accommodation, a sports complex and indoor stadium for athletic activities, a well-equipped library for academic resources, a health clinic for medical needs, a gymnasium for fitness, and a canteen for dining services.
Addressing Land Use Challenges in Agricultural Areas
An agriculture university report to be submitted to the state government on Friday highlights ongoing challenges related to land use in certain districts. The report notes that in some areas, including non-crop regions, cultivable land constitutes more than 15% of the total area. This issue is particularly pronounced in districts like Ranga Reddy, where numerous parcels of cultivable land have been converted into residential layouts, but construction has not commenced, leading to underutilization of agricultural potential.
The establishment of the new agriculture college in Dichpally is seen as a strategic move to counteract such trends by promoting agricultural education and sustainable land use practices. By investing in infrastructure and training, the Telangana government aims to foster a new generation of agricultural professionals equipped to address modern challenges in farming and rural development.
This inauguration represents a milestone in Telangana's efforts to enhance its agricultural sector through education and innovation, setting a precedent for future initiatives across the state.
