Most of the modern Agriculture Practices are turning out to be knowledge based and to gain expertise in them is not easy for the rural farmers.
In an attempt to make farmers better equipped to handle globalization, the state cabinet of Karnataka has decided to increase the reservation of students from the families of farmers and agriculture laborers in admissions to B.Sc. Agriculture, from 40 % to 50 %. The total number of reserved seats for this category of students in agriculture universities is 1230 while the total intake is 2460.
Briefing press persons on the decisions taken at a Cabinet meeting, Minister for home and Parliamentary Affairs, Basavaraj Bommai said children and agricultural families would benefit from the decision to hike the reservation in admission to agriculture colleges, universities, and all allied institutions in the state.
Agriculture Universities in Karnataka
The various Agriculture Universities in Karnataka are University of Agriculture, Bengaluru, University of Agriculture, Raichur, University of Agriculture, Dharwad, University of Agriculture, Shivamogga, Horticulture University, Bagalkot and Karnataka Veterinary, Animal & Fisheries Universities, Bidar.
Importance of Formal Agriculture Studies:
These days with the entry of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in the sector, many MNCs have forayed into the segment with dozens of agro-products; subsequently this has resulted as a threat to Indian farmers who lack professional expertise to better deal with the issue. Hence the need of the hour is to give agricultural education a high priority.
The various topics that the farmers must be made aware about are:
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Education of the role of private investment
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Education and awareness on credit facilities to farmers
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Education on water use resources
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Education on strong marketing infrastructure
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Education on the role of effective Agro-processing techniques
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Education on flood and drought management