K’taka Govt's Move to Discontinue Agriculture Diploma Faces Backlash from Farmers' Group

The recent decision by the State government to terminate the Agriculture diploma courses offered by the Universities of Agricultural Sciences (UAS) in Karnataka has sparked criticism from farmers' associations. They argue that this move limits opportunities for the children of farmers to receive affordable training in the agricultural sector.

Both UAS Bengaluru and UAS Dharwad had issued admission notifications for their two-year Kannada medium diploma programs in Agriculture, Forestry, and Sericulture. However, these notifications were suddenly withdrawn, with no official reason provided on the universities' websites.

According to sources within the universities, the State government instructed them to discontinue the diploma courses, claiming that it aligned with the New Education Policy (NEP). However, some officials suggest that the decision was made due to a lack of financial support from the government

R. Lokesha, the Registrar of Keladi Shivappa Nayaka University of Agricultural and Horticultural Sciences in Shivamogga, confirmed that the university ceased offering the course based on instructions from the State government. Meanwhile, other universities specializing in farm sciences, such as the University of Horticulture Sciences and Karnataka Veterinary, Animal, and Fisheries Sciences University in Bidar, are yet to release their admission notifications for similar diploma programs.

The two-year residential course provided students with the opportunity for lateral entry into BSc Agriculture, Forestry, and Sericulture degrees upon completion. With a fee structure of only around Rs5,000, the diploma program offered promising job prospects in both government and private agricultural agencies.

Prabhakar Sheshagiri, a farmer from Uttara Kannada, expressed his disappointment upon discovering that UAS Dharwad had withdrawn its admission notification. He revealed that he and others had completed the form and were preparing their documents to submit to the university when they were informed about the withdrawal of the notification. He conveyed a sense of shock and helplessness in response to this development.

The government's decision has faced opposition from various farmers' organizations as well. H.R. Basavarajappa, the president of Karnataka Rajya Raitha Sangha, emphasized the importance of the diploma course in encouraging young individuals to enter the field of agriculture. He pointed out that not all students are able to enroll in BSc Agriculture, and therefore, it is crucial for the government to maintain the course in the best interest of farmers' families and the agriculture sector.

Likewise, H.R. Naveen Kumar, president of the Hassan district unit of Karnataka Prantha Raitha Sangha, pointed out that the agriculture sector has been grappling with a crisis. Agricultural families seek courses that help their children secure employment while remaining connected to the field. He urged the government to continue the diploma course and even support universities in launching similar programs.

University officials offer differing explanations for the discontinuation. Senior officials from two universities revealed that they were compelled to halt the diploma programs as they were being operated using their own finances without any government support.

A senior officer from UAS Dharwad shared that when they initiated these courses, the State government had assured them of assistance, including stipends for students. However, it was mentioned that the government has not fulfilled its promises, and they are even struggling to pay teachers' and staff salaries. It was further stated that they lack the funds to develop essential infrastructure such as classrooms, laboratories, and experimental farms.

Conversely, an official from another university claimed that they received a letter from the State government instructing them to cease admissions. The letter, dated June 19, referred to a meeting held by former Agriculture Minister B.C. Patil on June 18, 2022, where the universities were allegedly asked to discontinue the diploma courses, citing non-compliance with the spirit of the NEP.

Agriculture Minister N. Cheluvarayaswamy, who also serves as the Pro Chancellor of agriculture universities, acknowledged that the issue had come to his attention. He expressed his intention to convene a meeting with officials to discuss the matter, stating that he believed it was a good idea to continue the courses so that the rural poor could benefit.