Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University (RPCAU), formally known as Rajendra Agricultural University (RAU), stands as a beacon of agricultural excellence, deeply rooted in history, and committed to advancing research and education.
Situated in Pusa, Bihar, this esteemed institution’s journey dates back to the early 20th century when the seeds of agricultural innovation were first sown in India.
RPCAU has since emerged as a cornerstone of agricultural research and education in the eastern region and across the nation. With a multicampus structure, RPCAU operates from three main campuses located in Pusa (Samastipur), Dholi (Muzaffarpur), and Piprakothi (East Champaran).
Additionally, the university oversees 18 Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs), with 16 under its direct control and 2 under technical control, along with four research stations.
Spanning over an area of 2063 acres, the university’s facilities include lakes, ponds, wetlands, farmland, and arboreal spaces, making it a vibrant hub for sustainable agricultural practices and innovations.
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History
The historical significance of RPCAU can be traced back to the 1903 Pusa Scheme, a pioneering initiative that laid the groundwork for agricultural education in India.
It’s a story of perseverance, as the dream envisioned in 1903 came to fruition in the 1960s with the establishment of Tirhut College of Agriculture in Dholi, Bihar.
However, it wasn’t until 1970 that this institution found its permanent home in Pusa, and the Rajendra Agricultural University (RAU) was born.
Over the years, RAU has become a pivotal hub for agricultural research and education in the eastern region of India.
Academic
RPCAU is a hub of diverse faculties and constituent colleges. Among these are Tirhut College of Agriculture in Muzaffarpur, Bihar Agricultural College in Sabour (Bhagalpur), Bihar Veterinary College in Patna, and others. The university offers a wide range of undergraduate programs in eight different disciplines:
- Agriculture
- Horticulture
- Agricultural Engineering
- Community Science
- Fisheries
- Biotechnology
- Forestry
- Food Technology
In addition to these undergraduate programs, RPCAU provides a host of Master’s and Ph.D. programs, totaling 34 M.Sc. disciplines and 17 Ph.D. programs. RPCAU’s academic footprint extends beyond its campus in Pusa. The university operates three campuses:
- Pusa (Samastipur): The main campus, serves as the central hub for research and education.
- Dholi (Muzaffarpur): A key satellite campus that complements the activities of the central campus.
- Piprakothi (East Champaran): Expanding the university’s reach to different regions for more localized research and outreach.
Furthermore, RPCAU oversees 18 Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs):
- 16 directly under its administrative control
- 2 under technical control
The Transition to Central University:
Recognizing the pivotal role RPCAU plays in agricultural research, the Government of India took a momentous decision. It elevated the university’s status from a State Agricultural University (SAU) to a Central Agricultural University (CAU).
This transition was more than a mere name change; it symbolized the recognition of RPCAU’s importance on a national level. Thus, it was appropriately renamed as Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University.
Key Milestones in Transition:
| Key Date | Event |
|---|---|
| May 28, 2016 | The Indian Parliament passed the Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University Act. |
| October 7, 2016 | The Act came into effect, officially designating RPCAU as a Central Agricultural University. |
Research and Innovation
RPCAU’s research initiatives have made substantial contributions to the agricultural sector. The university has released 18 new varieties of crops designed to thrive in different agro-climatic conditions.
These new cultivars have the potential to enhance agricultural practices and improve the livelihoods of diverse socio-economic groups.
Key Research Initiatives
- Climate Change Adaptation: RPCAU is at the forefront of research aimed at developing strategies to adapt to the challenges posed by climate change in agriculture.
- Food Processing Advancements: The university is actively involved in enhancing food processing techniques to improve the shelf life and quality of agricultural products.
- Wildlife Conservation Projects: RPCAU has launched projects to conserve and protect local wildlife, contributing to biodiversity conservation.
- Development of Climate-Resilient Crop Varieties: Researchers at RPCAU are pioneering the development of crop varieties that can withstand the changing climate.
Extension Education
RPCAU is committed to spreading knowledge and expertise in the field of agriculture. The university carries out extension activities through its Directorate of Extension and the network of Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) under its control.
These initiatives include on-campus and off-campus training programs, field demonstrations, farmer group formations, and the development of seed villages.
RPCAU’s proactive stance in extending its reach is evident through the establishment of five new KVKs in larger districts within the last five years.
Extension Services Offered:
- On-campus and off-campus training programs
- Field demonstrations
- Farmer group formations
- Seed village development
- Kisan Melas (Agricultural Fairs)
Awards and Accolades
RPCAU’s relentless pursuit of excellence has been consistently acknowledged through various awards and accolades:
Notable Awards and Rankings:
- Ranked 10th in the India Today-MDRA University Ranking in 2020
- Ranked 9th in the India Today-MDRA University Ranking in 2021
- ‘University of the Year Award’ by FICCI in 2021
- ‘Excellent Green Campus Initiative’ recognition by Agriculture Today
In the realm of research, RPCAU boasts an h-index of 23 according to SCOPUS, highlighting the impact of its research endeavors.
Vision and Mission
RPCAU’s vision centers on augmenting professional competency to pursue excellence in agriculture and allied education, research, and entrepreneurship while upholding ethical values.
Its mission revolves around promoting a high-quality learning environment, fostering an integrated approach that appreciates the socio-economic and environmental significance of the soil-plant-animal-people interface.
RPCAU aims to shape agricultural stakeholders into self-sustaining individuals through innovative education, cutting-edge research, entrepreneurship and startup skill development, and the dissemination of appropriate agricultural technology.
The university is dedicated to meeting the global needs for sustainable food production and making agriculture in eastern India climate resilient while alleviating pressure on agricultural land through increased productivity.
In conclusion, RPCAU’s commitment to agricultural education and research has positioned it at the forefront of efforts to address the challenges facing modern agriculture.
By fostering an environment of academic excellence and practical application, the university continues to nurture the next generation of agricultural scientists, researchers, and practitioners dedicated to promoting sustainability and food security.
