Vasantrao Naik Marathwada Krishi Vidyapeeth Parbhani

Introduction

Established in 1972, on Land grant pattern, Marathwada Agricultural University (MAU) Parbhani is one of the four Agricultural universities in state of Maharashtra. Except some industrialization around Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar and Nanded, the entire region has rural setting.

Objectives

Education in agriculture & Allied Science.

Undertake Research based on regional needs and facilitate Technology transfer etc.

History

VNMKV is one of four Agricultural Universities in the State of Maharashtra. Prior to original Maharashtra Agricultural University, it was established on May 18, 1972 to fulfil the regional aspirations of agrarian growth. It is entrusted with the responsibilities to provide education in agriculture and allied fields, undertake research and facilitate technology transfer in Marathwada region of Maharashtra. The first college of Agriculture was established in this region at Parbhani in 1956 by Hyderabad State Government just before State reorganization. During Nizam's rule, however, agricultural education was available only at Hyderabad but crop research centres viz., sorghum, cotton, fruits existed in the region. The foundation of research was laid by the erstwhile Nizam State with commencement of the Main Experimental Farm at Parbhani in 1918. The famous 'Gaorani' desi cotton is the result of the research on cotton and local sorghum cultivars were improved by selection by the then Economic Botanist. Since then Parbhani remain the hub of educational, research and extension activities in Marathwada.

Mandate

Provide education in agriculture, allied sciences and humanities.

Provide research base to improve the productivity of important agri-horticulture, livestock, fisheries and agri-allied activities of Marathwada region.

To develop appropriate plans for conservation of natural resources and sustainable use.

To undertake and guide extension education programmes, first line transfer of technology, extend services of training, conduct demonstrations and develop appropriate communication network.

Standardize technologies for crop production, protection, harvesting, marketing, post-harvest utilization as also for livestock, fisheries and allied agro-communities for improving the living status of farmers, farm workers and Women of Marathwada.

Provide the necessary production support of nucleus, breeders and foundation seed of important crops of the region and also generate revenue through large farms for sustainable growth of the University.

Location

Geographical coordinates

Latitude : Between 17°35' N & 20°40' N
Longitude : Between 70°40' E & 78°15' E

The MAU region falls in Deccan Plateau Zone. It is basically an intense agrarian region with geographical area of 6.5 M ha occupying 21 per cent of total area of the State. The University HQ is located on Manmad-Nanded Railway track. It is around 200 km from Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar city and well connected by Rail & Road. The nearest airport is Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar.

Jurisdiction

Marathwada Region – 8 districts

Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar
Beed
Hingoli
Jalna

Latur
Nanded
Osmanabad
Parbhani

Crops

Major Crops

Sorghum
Cotton
Pigeonpea
Sunflower
Groundnut
Beans
Maize
Sugarcane

Major Fruits

Banana
Oranges
Grapes
Mango
Papaya
Guava
Ber
Lime

Major Vegetables

Tomato
Brinjal
Cucurbits
Cabbage
Cauliflower
Onion

Melons
Garlic
Turmeric
Ginger
Leafy Veg

Climate

Month	Min °C	Max °C	Rainfall (mm)	Min Humidity %	Max Humidity %	Wind (km/h)	BSH (hrs)
January	12	30	6	31	8	4	10
February	14	33	4	25	58	4.8	10.2
March	18	36.5	15	20	45	5.5	10.3
April	22	40	7	20	41	7.25	10.4
May	24.5	41	18.5	22	48	10.25	10.4
June	23.6	36.5	156.5	44	75	12.5	7.3
July	22.5	32	222	22	32	11.6	5
August	22	31	235	62.5	86	10	5.1
September	21.5	32	180	55	85	7.1	6.9
October	18	32	75	39	76	4.5	8.9
November	14.5	30.5	15	34	74	4	9.6
December	11	29	12	32	75	3.5	9.7

Soils

Vertisols – Medium & Deep Black Soils

Soils of Marathwada region are classified as Vertisols. Nearly 32.5 m ha are medium black soils, 12.1 M ha deep black soils and 12.4 m ha course shallow soils. The fertility index with respect to nitrogen is low in Parbhani, Nanded while it is medium in Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar, Jalna, Beed Osmanabad and Latur district while fertility index with respect to P is low in almost all the districts except six tahsils of Jalna and Beed districts. It is very high for potash in almost all the districts of Marathwada. The average use of fertilizer is 50N and 39 P2O5/kg per hectare in Latur and Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar divisions. The deficiency of micronutrients viz. Zn and Fe is noticed in high intensity cropping. Soils under irrigation projects like Jayakwadi and Purna becoming sick due to water logging & salinisation.