Story of India's First Agricultural University- G.B Pant, Nurturing India's Agricultural Heritage and Innovation
GB Pant University, India's inaugural university and the second-largest worldwide in terms of contiguous land area, spans a vast expanse exceeding 10,000 acres.
India's agriculture sector has given rise to numerous innovations and breakthroughs in the agricultural sector. Among the gems in India's agricultural crown is G.B. Pant University often referred to as Pantnagar University located in the heart of Uttarakhand.
This article delves into the remarkable journey of India's first Agriculture University, a pivotal institution that has played a pioneering role in shaping the nation's agricultural landscape.
The establishment of G.B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology in 1960 marked a significant milestone in India's pursuit of self-sufficiency in food production. It was not merely the birth of a university but a powerful expression of India's collective determination to achieve food security through an integrated approach encompassing teaching, research, and extension services.
A Land Grant University Model
This pioneering institution was the first of its kind in India, based on the Land Grant University model. This model stressed the fusion of research, education, and extension services, setting it apart as a visionary institution from the very beginning. The vast expanse of land allocated to the university not only provided ample space for experimental farms but also gave rise to the renowned Tarai Development Corporation, a major seed center in the country.
In its 56 years of existence, G.B. Pant University has not only revolutionized agricultural education but has also introduced numerous concepts in research and extension services. These innovations played a pivotal role in achieving food security and rural prosperity in a remarkably short span of time.
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Roots of the Idea
The inception of rural universities imparting agricultural education amidst rural settings was first articulated by the University Education Commission of 1949, under the leadership of Dr. Radhakrishnan.
This idea took shape in 1954 when an Indo-American team, led by Dr. K.R. Damle, laid out the parameters for such universities. The land-grant system of the USA was adopted, and in collaboration with the University of Illinois, a comprehensive project for agricultural education in northern India was initiated.
The journey of the first Agricultural University of India reached a historic milestone with its inauguration and dedication to the nation on November 17, 1960, by India's first Prime Minister, the late Pt. Jawahar Lal Nehru. The primary objectives of the university were to elevate agriculture and boost the rural economy of the Uttar Pradesh state.
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Characteristics
Spread over an expansive 10,000 acres of land, G.B. Pant University holds the distinction of being the world's second-largest university in terms of contiguous land area. Despite its beautiful and secluded location, it brings excellent connectivity to state and national capitals through road, rail, and air.
The university's facilities range from workshops, printing presses, and transport pools to hospitals, libraries, and dairy farms. These amenities, coupled with the university's commitment to excellence, have nurtured a unique culture of learning, producing highly motivated individuals capable of addressing multifaceted challenges both within India and on the global stage.
G.B. Pant University has a vision and dedication that have transformed it into the best of agricultural education, research, and innovation, not only enriching India's agricultural landscape but also contributing to global agricultural progress.
