Vasantrao Naik Marathwada Agricultural University, Parbhani, Maharashtra, India

Vasantrao Naik Marathwada Agricultural University, Parbhani – Leading Agricultural Education & Research in Maharashtra

Introduction

Established in 1972, Vasantrao Naik Marathwada Agricultural University (VNMKV) is a premier agricultural university in Maharashtra, named after former Chief Minister Vasantrao Naik. Located in Parbhani, it operates on a land‑grant model to serve the Marathwada region’s rural agricultural needs. With multiple constituent colleges, a broad programme portfolio, growing research output, and community-oriented agricultural extension, VNMKV plays a critical role in elevating regional agriculture and allied sciences. (vnmkv.ac.in)

1. Establishment & History

• Founded on 18 May 1972, the university evolved from the earlier agricultural college in Parbhani (est. 1956 under Hyderabad State) into a full-fledged university under the Maharashtra Government. (Wikipedia)
• Renamed to honour Vasantrao Naik in 2013, a visionary leader of rural and agrarian development. (Wikipedia)

2. Affiliations & Accreditation

• Recognized by UGC, ICAR, and a member of AIU. Accredited by NAAC. (Wikipedia)
• Part of the Indian Agricultural Universities Association, providing credibility among state agricultural institutions. (iauaindia.org)

3. Academic Structure & Courses Offered

3.1 Constituent & Affiliated Colleges

• VNMKV runs 12 constituent colleges in disciplines such as Agriculture, Horticulture, Food Technology, Agricultural Engineering, Community Science, and Agricultural Business Management. (Wikipedia)
• Supported by 43 affiliated colleges and 53 agriculture schools, serving over 7,400 students across UG, PG, and Ph.D. levels. (Wikipedia)

3.2 Courses & Admission

• Offers ~75 programmes including:
  • UG Degree: B.Sc. (Agri), B.Tech (Agri Engg), B.Sc. (Food Tech), B.Sc. (Hort)
  • PG Degree: M.Sc. (Agri), M.Sc. (Food Science), MBA (Agri Business)
  • Doctoral: Ph.D. in numerous agricultural subjects
• Admissions based on MHT‑CET, AIEEA‑UG/PG, JEE Main, and MCAER PG‑CET; undergraduate admission may also consider Class 12 academic record. (Shiksha, CollegeDekho)

4. Campus & Facilities

4.1 Parbhani Campus

• The Parbhani campus is spacious (~45 acres) with academic blocks, research farms, hostels, sports grounds, library and green spaces used also by the public. (CollegeDekho)
• Facilities include:
  • Central Library with textbooks, national journals, e-resources
  • Separate boys’ and girls’ hostels
  • Sports complex: gymnasium, courts, jogging tracks
  • Practical laboratories, demonstration farms, and seed‑processing units (CollegeDekho)

5. Research & Academic Excellence

5.1 Research Output & Rankings

• According to EduRank 2025, VNMKV has published 1,886 academic papers with 7,215 citations, ranking:
  • #367 in India, #2,350 in Asia, #6,271 globally
  • Ranked within the top 29 institutions in Maharashtra by research impact (EduRank, Wikipedia)
• Field-wise contributions include:
  • Biology/Plant Sciences: 1,731 publications, ranked #292 in India
  • Environmental Sciences: 1,590 publications, ranking #276
  • Engineering (Agricultural Engineering): 937 publications, ranking #395 among engineering programs nationally (Wikipedia)

5.2 High‑Profile Science Leadership

• Former VNMKV Vice‑Chancellor Dr. Neelamraju Ganga Prasada Rao, a notable plant breeder and Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar awardee, led major agricultural advancements. (Wikipedia)

6. Career Development & Placement Support

• VNMKV’s placement support is offered via constituent colleges and agricultural business management departments, with average packages in the range of ₹3–5 LPA and top placements up to ₹8–9 LPA. Recruiters include regional agribusiness firms and extension services. (Shiksha, Shiksha, CollegeDekho)
• Placement center organizes training, workshops, and internship opportunities through campus networks.

7. Notable Alumni & Faculty

• Dr. Neelamraju Ganga Prasada Rao, celebrated geneticist and former Vice Chancellor, is a key alumnus and national figure in hybrid sorghum development. (Wikipedia)
• Many campus leaders have contributed to extension activities such as development of the “Gaorani” cotton variety unique to the region. (Wikipedia)

8. Reputation, Rankings & Awards

• EduRank 2025: #367 India overall; research presence across 58 subject areas. (EduRank)
• Ranked 45th by ICAR in 2018 among Indian Agricultural Universities. (CollegeDekho)
• According to AD Scientific Index 2025, VNMKV hosts many top scientists with high citation metrics and notable productivity in Agriculture & Forestry disciplines. (AD Scientific Index)

9. Address & Contact Information

Vasantrao Naik Marathwada Krishi Vidyapeeth (VNMKV)
Parbhani – Maharashtra, India
Founded: 1972
Type: Public agricultural university
Affiliations: ICAR, UGC, AIU, NAAC
Website: vnmkv.ac.in (Wikipedia)

10. Strengths & Opportunities

✅ Strengths

• Landmark land‑grant institution serving agrarian communities of Marathwada
• Broad network: 12 constituent + 43 affiliated colleges and 53 schools (vnmkv.ac.in, Wikipedia)
• Research focus in core agricultural sciences; regional crop innovation (e.g. Gaorani cotton)
• Legacy leadership and notable alumni in agricultural science

⚠️ Areas for Growth

• Placement infrastructure remains localized—a centralised placement unit could expand reach
• Visibility in global rankings could be improved through enhanced output and collaborations
• Broader public alumni outreach and graduate success documentation are limited
• Investment in innovation, incubation, and industry partnerships may elevate impact

11. Conclusion

Vasantrao Naik Marathwada Agricultural University remains a foundational force in agricultural education and research in Maharashtra’s Marathwada region. With its academic breadth, regional relevance, and growing research output, VNMKV continues to empower rural communities through innovation and training. Focused enhancement in placements, global visibility, alumni networking, and industry partnerships can further boost its contribution and recognition.

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