Uttar Banga Krishi Vishwavidyalaya (UBKV): Advancing Agricultural Innovation in North Bengal
Introduction: A Pillar of Agricultural Education in Eastern India
Uttar Banga Krishi Vishwavidyalaya (UBKV), situated in Pundibari, Cooch Behar, West Bengal, is one of the premier agricultural universities in Eastern India. Established with the mission to provide quality education in agriculture, horticulture, and allied sciences, UBKV is instrumental in uplifting rural and agrarian communities in North Bengal through advanced research, extension programs, and academic excellence.
UBKV has not only created a solid foundation for agricultural sciences in the region but also contributes significantly to the country’s food security, sustainable agriculture, and farmer empowerment. The university provides a blend of traditional agricultural knowledge and modern technologies, ensuring that graduates are industry-ready and research-oriented.
1. Establishment and Historical Background
- Established on: 1 February 2001
- Origin: Formerly the Pundibari Campus of Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya
- Upgraded as University: By the West Bengal Act XX of 2000
- Location: Pundibari, approximately 15 km from Cooch Behar town
- Purpose: To serve the educational and developmental needs of the northern districts of West Bengal—Cooch Behar, Jalpaiguri, Alipurduar, Darjeeling, Malda, and Dinajpur
The creation of UBKV marked a turning point in the decentralization of agricultural education in West Bengal, aiming to make higher education and agri-research accessible to underrepresented regions.
2. Affiliations and Accreditations
- Recognized by: University Grants Commission (UGC)
- Affiliated with: Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR)
- Member of: Association of Indian Universities (AIU)
- Accreditation: NAAC and ICAR accreditation for various departments and programs
UBKV functions as a state university with full academic autonomy and is regularly funded by the Government of West Bengal, ICAR, and other national agencies.
3. Academic Structure and Courses Offered
UBKV offers a structured educational system in Undergraduate, Postgraduate, and Doctoral levels, with focus areas including Agriculture, Horticulture, and Forestry.
A. Undergraduate Programs
- B.Sc. (Hons) Agriculture
- B.Sc. (Hons) Horticulture
- B.Sc. (Hons) Forestry
Admission Criteria:
- WBJEE (West Bengal Joint Entrance Examination) or ICAR AIEEA-UG
- 10+2 with Science (Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Mathematics)
B. Postgraduate Programs
- M.Sc. (Agriculture) in Agronomy, Plant Pathology, Soil Science, Genetics and Plant Breeding, Entomology, Agricultural Extension
- M.Sc. (Horticulture) in Fruit Science, Floriculture & Landscape Architecture, Vegetable Science
- M.Sc. (Forestry)
Admission Criteria:
- ICAR AIEEA-PG or UBKV entrance test
- Minimum 60% marks in UG program
C. Doctoral Programs (Ph.D.)
- Ph.D. in Agriculture, Horticulture, and Forestry disciplines
- Emphasis on applied and fundamental research
- Research scholarships available through ICAR, DST, DBT, and state funds
4. Faculties and Departments
Faculty of Agriculture
- Agronomy
- Agricultural Economics
- Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry
- Agricultural Entomology
- Genetics and Plant Breeding
- Agricultural Extension
- Plant Pathology
- Seed Science and Technology
Faculty of Horticulture
- Fruit Science
- Vegetable Science
- Post-Harvest Technology
- Floriculture and Landscaping
Faculty of Forestry
- Silviculture and Agroforestry
- Forest Biology
- Wildlife Science
- Wood Science and Technology
Each department is equipped with modern laboratories, field trials, and greenhouses, encouraging hands-on training.
5. Research Activities and Extension Work
UBKV’s research is aligned with regional agricultural needs, focusing on low-cost farming, organic cultivation, and climate-resilient agriculture.
Key Research Areas:
- Sustainable Agriculture
- Integrated Pest Management
- Organic Farming Techniques
- Crop Improvement and Biotechnology
- Water Resource Management
- Horticultural Crop Diversification
Extension Services:
- Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) at multiple locations including Cooch Behar and Dakshin Dinajpur
- Farmer Training Programs
- Field Demonstrations and Soil Testing
- Mobile Agro-Advisory Services
- Publication of farmer-centric manuals and pamphlets
UBKV has significantly contributed to improving farm productivity, farmer income, and climate adaptation strategies in North Bengal.
6. Infrastructure and Campus Facilities
Campus Size:
Over 300 acres of green, fully residential academic campus
Key Facilities:
- Central Library:
- Digital access to journals, e-books, and ICAR databases
- More than 25,000 physical books
- Hostels:
- Separate accommodation for boys and girls
- Hygienic dining, recreation rooms, and study halls
- Laboratories and Research Farms:
- Advanced equipment for soil testing, microbiology, genetics, and plant biotechnology
- Experimental farms and greenhouses
- IT Infrastructure:
- High-speed Wi-Fi and Computer Centre
- Access to ARIS (Agricultural Research Information System)
- Medical Facility:
- In-house health care unit with emergency care access
- Transportation:
- University buses and vehicle fleet for field work and student transport
- Other Amenities:
- Auditorium, seminar halls, language lab, sports facilities, gymnasium
7. Career Development and Placement Cell
UBKV places strong emphasis on career grooming and student employability, particularly in agriculture-related government and private sectors.
Services Offered:
- Campus recruitment drives
- Internship placements with agri-businesses
- Coaching for ICAR, JRF, SRF, ARS, NET
- Entrepreneurship cell for agri-startups
- Guidance for civil service and banking sector
Placement Areas:
- Agricultural and Horticulture Departments
- NABARD, FCI, IFFCO, KRIBHCO
- Agri-input companies (e.g., Bayer, UPL, Mahyco)
- Research institutions and NGOs
8. Notable Alumni and Achievements
While being a relatively young university, UBKV alumni have made notable strides in various sectors:
Notable Alumni Work In:
- Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI)
- West Bengal State Agricultural Services
- Central and State Forest Departments
- International Agri-business Companies
- ICAR Research Stations
Many UBKV students consistently qualify for ICAR-JRF, SRF, NET, and have secured prestigious fellowships for doctoral research.
9. Accolades, Rankings, and Reputation
- ICAR Ranking: Among the top State Agricultural Universities in Eastern India
- NAHEP Partner: Selected under World Bank-funded National Agricultural Higher Education Project (NAHEP)
- Recipient of Funding: From DST, DBT, ICAR, and Ministry of Agriculture
- Collaborations: With international universities and NGOs for joint research
UBKV is recognized as a model university for grassroots agricultural transformation, especially in resource-poor and flood-prone regions.
10. Address and Contact Details
Uttar Banga Krishi Vishwavidyalaya (UBKV)
Pundibari, Cooch Behar – 736165
West Bengal, India
- Phone: +91-3582-270143 / 270168
- Email: registrarubkv@gmail.com
- Website: www.ubkv.ac.in
Conclusion: Cultivating Knowledge for Sustainable Rural Development
Uttar Banga Krishi Vishwavidyalaya is a pioneer in agricultural education and research in North Bengal, helping to bridge the academic gap in underserved regions. With a student-centric philosophy, hands-on research, and strong community linkages, UBKV continues to impact agricultural practices, rural livelihoods, and the environmental sustainability of Eastern India.
Whether you are an aspiring agriculturalist, a research scholar, or an agri-entrepreneur, UBKV offers the right blend of academic rigor and rural engagement that defines future-ready agricultural leadership.
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