Birsa Agricultural University (BAU), Ranchi

Agricultural education was first started in Bihar in 1945 with the establishment of Bihar Agricultural College at Sabour in the district of Bhagalpur. Later on, it was realised that the agricultural situation and features of the plateau region of South Bihar is different from the rest of Bihar. Hence there was a need of a second college for this region. Ranchi Agricultural College was established in 1955, Ranchi Veterinary College in 1962 and College of Forestry in 1980. Considering the importance of agricultural education for the agricultural development of the state, the first Agricultural University in Bihar - Rajendra Agricultural University was started in1971 with its headquarters at Pusa. In view of the specific agriculture features of Chotanagpur and Santhal Parganas, the establishment of a second Agricultural University, for this region of the Bihar State, was conceived.

Birsa Agricultural University was established on 26th June, 1981 after its formal inauguration by the then Prime Minister of India, Late Smt. Indira Gandhi. Its primary objective is to develop area specific technologies and manpower in the field of agriculture, animal husbandry and forestry for the agricultural development of the plateau region of Bihar and economic upliftment of tribal and other backward class population of the region. The programmes and activities of education, research and extension are carried out through three faculties (Agriculture, Veterinary Sciences & Animal Husbandry and Forestry) with thirty five departments, College of Biotechnology, six Directorates, three Zonal Research Stations and farms, one University farm, twelve Krishi Vigyan Kendras, Computer Centre, Central Library and other infrastructure and service units. Being a completely residential university, hostels for boys and girls, and residential facilities for Teachers/Scientists and supporting staff have been provided in the campus. Birsa Agricultural University established in 1981 has the mandate to develop location specific technologies and manpower in Agriculture and allied sectors for the economic upliftment of tribal dominated Jharkhand State.

The entire newly created 28th State of the Indian Republic "Jharkhand is the service area of the University, comprising of 24 districts, 212 development blocks, 3765 panchayat and 32,615 villages. The University is located, on Ranchi - Patratu Road , about 8 km north of Ranchi town, about 13 km north of Ranchi Railway Station and about 17 km north of Ranchi Airport . The location stands at 85019'E and 23017'N and 625 meters above mean sea level. The climate is sub-humid mega thermal with large winter water deficiency.