Haryana Agricultural University Achieves A+ Grade

A+ Grade: A Milestone Achievement 

In a significant development for agricultural education in Haryana, the Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University (HAU) in Hisar has been awarded an A+ grade by the National Agricultural Education Accreditation Board (NAEAB) of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR). This top-tier accreditation marks a step up from the university's previous consistent A grade ratings. 

Vice-Chancellor Professor B.R. Kamboj announced this achievement in a press conference, emphasizing that the A+ grade is the highest possible rating given by NAEAB. The university scored an impressive 3.52 out of 4.00 points in the grading system, showcasing its excellence in various aspects of agricultural education and research. 

Comprehensive Evaluation and Accreditation Process

The NAEAB team conducted a thorough assessment based on both qualitative and quantitative metrics. Senior academicians on the team met with teachers, staff, students, parents, and alumni. They also inspected various facilities including colleges, hostels, sports facilities, and health services to evaluate the university's infrastructure and overall environment.

As a result of this comprehensive evaluation, HAU has been granted accreditation for five years, from April 1, 2023, to March 31, 2028. This accreditation covers various colleges and courses under HAU, including 7 undergraduate, 47 postgraduate, and 42 Ph.D. programs.

Notable Achievements and Recognition

HAU's A+ grade is not an isolated achievement. The university has received several prestigious awards in recent years, highlighting its contributions to agricultural education and rural development:

1. In 2019, HAU received the prestigious Agricultural Education Honor Award for its significant contribution to increasing agricultural productivity and rural prosperity.
2. The university's Agri-Business Incubation Center (ABIC) was recognized as the Best Incubation Center at the national level in 2021. 
3. HAU's Krishi Vigyan Kendra in Mahendragarh was awarded the Best Krishi Vigyan Kendra at the national level in 2022.
4. The university has also received awards for its research in mustard, fodder, and millet development. 

Innovations and Future Prospects

HAU has established state-of-the-art facilities like the Speed Breeding and Micrometeorology Lab, which has dramatically reduced the time required to develop new crop varieties from 10-12 years to just 3-4 years. The university has already developed 44 new crop varieties.

The university maintains direct connections with 600,000 farmers in the state, providing them with daily weather updates and agricultural information through community radio stations at seven Krishi Vigyan Kendras. In the past five years, HAU has facilitated the establishment of 65 startups, with an approved funding of 70 million rupees. This initiative demonstrates the university's commitment to fostering agricultural entrepreneurship and innovation.

Vice-Chancellor Kamboj attributed this success to the collective efforts of the state government, university staff, students, and the farming community. He emphasized that this A+ grade reflects not only on the university but also on the state of Haryana and its commitment to agricultural progress. 

As HAU continues to excel in agricultural education and research, this A+ grade serves as a testament to its dedication to improving agricultural practices and rural livelihoods in Haryana and beyond.