Bihar Agricultural University

Bihar Agricultural University (BAU), located in Sabour, Bhagalpur, is a premier state university dedicated to advancing agricultural education, research, and extension services in Bihar. Established on August 5, 2010, BAU operates under the aegis of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) and the University Grants Commission (UGC). The university's main campus is situated on the historic grounds of the Bihar Agricultural College, founded in 1908, making it one of the oldest agricultural institutions in the region.

Academic Programs

BAU offers a comprehensive range of academic programs:

• Undergraduate Programs: B.Sc. in Agriculture and Horticulture.

• Postgraduate Programs: M.Sc. in various agricultural sciences.

• Doctoral Programs: Ph.D. in specialized fields of agriculture.

Admissions are conducted through the Bihar Combined Entrance Competitive Examination (BCECE) for 85% of the seats, while the remaining 15% are filled via the All India Entrance Examination conducted by ICAR.

Constituent Colleges and Research Infrastructure

BAU encompasses several constituent colleges across Bihar, including:

• Bihar Agricultural College, Sabour

• Bhola Paswan Shastri Agricultural College, Purnea

• Mandan Bharti Agricultural College, Agwanpur

• Nalanda College of Horticulture, Noorsarai

• Dr. Kalam Agricultural College, Kishanganj

• Veer Kunwar Singh College of Agriculture, Dumraon

The university also operates 12 research stations and 22 Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) across three agro-ecological zones in Bihar, facilitating region-specific research and extension activities.

Research and Extension Initiatives

BAU is at the forefront of agricultural innovation, focusing on sustainable farming practices. A notable initiative is the introduction of a dual cropping system for groundnut and rice cultivation using raised bed and ridge-and-furrow techniques. This method aims to enhance productivity, optimize land use, and empower farmers through training and localized solutions.

Additionally, BAU has implemented the "Agriculture Knowledge Dissemination System" in collaboration with the World Development Foundation, leveraging ICT and video conferencing to educate farmers and improve agricultural practices across the state.

Campus and Facilities

Spanning over 550 acres, the BAU campus is equipped with modern laboratories, a well-stocked library, and separate hostels for male and female students. The university's Training and Placement Cell actively facilitates student placements, with a significant percentage of graduates securing positions in various agricultural sectors .