Maharana Pratap University of Agriculture and Technology (MPUAT) is a state public university located in Udaipur, in the southern part of Rajasthan, India. The university is named after Maharana Pratap, the 16th-century ruler of Mewar, and specialises in higher education and research in agriculture, allied sciences, engineering, dairy, fisheries, home science and related disciplines.
Key Facts
| Name | Maharana Pratap University of Agriculture and Technology |
|---|---|
| Abbreviation | MPUAT |
| Type | State public university |
| Specialisation | Agriculture and technology |
| Location | Udaipur, Rajasthan, India |
| Named after | Maharana Pratap |
Background
MPUAT was established by the Government of Rajasthan as a dedicated agricultural university for the southern region of the state. It was carved out from the earlier umbrella of agricultural higher education in Rajasthan to focus on the agro-climatic conditions, cropping systems and rural livelihoods of the Mewar and surrounding tribal-dominated belt. The university operates under the State Agricultural Universities framework and works in association with the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR).
Academic Structure
The university brings together several constituent colleges and research stations spread across southern Rajasthan. Its principal academic units include:
- Rajasthan College of Agriculture, Udaipur
- College of Technology and Engineering, Udaipur
- College of Dairy and Food Science Technology, Udaipur
- College of Fisheries
- College of Community and Applied Sciences (formerly College of Home Science)
- Constituent agricultural colleges at locations such as Bhilwara and Jhalawar (where applicable under the university's jurisdiction)
In addition to teaching, the university runs Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) and zonal research stations that conduct location-specific trials, varietal development and farmer outreach.
Research and Extension
MPUAT's research mandate covers field crops, horticulture, animal husbandry, fisheries, soil and water management, agricultural engineering and post-harvest technology suited to the agro-climatic zones of southern Rajasthan, including the semi-arid plains and the tribal sub-plan area. Extension activities are channelled through KVKs, training programmes for farmers, and demonstration units that disseminate improved practices and technologies.
Significance
As the principal agricultural university serving southern Rajasthan, MPUAT plays a central role in human resource development for the agriculture sector in the region, in adaptive research for rainfed and tribal agriculture, and in technology transfer to farming communities. Its engineering wing, the College of Technology and Engineering, also contributes to general technical education in Udaipur.
Related Topics
- Udaipur
- Rajasthan
- Indian Council of Agricultural Research
- Agricultural education in India
- State Agricultural Universities
- Krishi Vigyan Kendra
- Maharana Pratap
References
- Wikidata entity: Q14957019