Mandya: University of Agricultural Sciences (UAS), Mandya, will introduce four-year BSc (Hons) agriculture in natural farming from the academic year 2026-27.Along with the undergraduate programme, the university will also launch four one-year certificate courses aimed at equipping farmers, rural youth and aspiring entrepreneurs with practical skills in sustainable agriculture.Speaking to TOI, UAS Mandya vice-chancellor KC Narayanaswamy said the new degree programme has been designed in line with the recommendations of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), to create professionals capable of promoting sustainable, chemical-free agriculture. The course will have an annual intake of 60 students, with admissions through Karnataka Examinations Authority, CET. Eligibility has been restricted to students who have completed their PU education in Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics and Biology (PCMB).He said the curriculum combines traditional natural farming practices with emerging agricultural technologies. Students will receive training in organic and natural farming methods, bio-control techniques, preparation of natural pesticides, value addition, food processing, precision agriculture, artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT) and drone applications. Unlike the conventional BSc agriculture programme, the new course will exclusively focus on chemical-free farming systems.Narayanaswamy said the initiative has been conceived in response to increasing concerns over the indiscriminate use of chemical fertilisers and pesticides, declining nutritional quality of the food, environmental degradation and growing incidence of health-related problems. The programme is expected to prepare a new generation of agricultural professionals who can promote sustainable farming practices across Karnataka.The university will simultaneously introduce four one-year certificate programmes for candidates who have completed their SSLC. These include certificate in natural farming, offered in distance mode with short contact classes, and certificate courses in agricultural equipment repair and maintenance, apiculture (beekeeping) and agroforestry.According to the vice-chancellor, the certificate courses are intended to enhance practical skills among farmers and rural youth while creating new livelihood opportunities through sustainable agriculture. The university believes the introduction of the specialised degree programme and the certificate courses will strengthen chemical-free farming, encourage entrepreneurship and provide employment-oriented agricultural education to meet the evolving needs of the sector.
