In the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) for 2024, neither Jawaharlal Nehru Agricultural University (JNAU), Jabalpur, nor Rajmata Scindia Agricultural University, Gwalior, managed to secure a position in the top 100 for agriculture and allied sectors. While this outcome may not be entirely surprising, it is nonetheless disheartening. Despite their long-standing presence, the state government appears indifferent to addressing their needs. As a result, agricultural education, development, and research have been reduced to mere formalities and paperwork.
JNAU, established 60 years ago, and Rajmata Scindia Agricultural University, set up 16 years ago, are now facing significant challenges. In contrast, Indira Gandhi Agricultural University, Raipur, has achieved a notable success by securing the 39th position among the top 50 institutions in the NIRF rankings. This achievement stands out, especially since no agricultural university from states like Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan—both large and developed—made it into the NIRF rankings this year. The situation is further concerning given that former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, who served for nearly 18 years and is now a central agriculture minister, as well as VD Sharma, the state president of the ruling BJP, both have connections to these institutions.
It is hoped that the government will take concrete steps to address the issues plaguing these universities. The ninth edition of the NIRF rankings was announced on August 12, 2024, at Bharat Mandapam, with certificates and mementos presented by Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. Participation in these rankings has significantly increased over the years, from 3,565 institutions in 2016 to 10,845 in 2024, and the number of evaluated categories has grown from four to sixteen.
JNAU operates eight agricultural colleges, two horticulture colleges, and one agricultural engineering college, along with nine agricultural research centers and 22 agricultural science centers. Rajmata Scindia Agricultural University, which began in 2008, includes four agricultural colleges, one horticulture college, three regional agricultural research centers, and several specialized research centers.
Economic development and farmers’ prosperity are closely tied to agricultural education and research. However, the rankings for both JNAU and Rajmata Scindia Agricultural University have declined nationally this year. Sources indicate that factors such as faculty shortages, lack of resources, inconsistent funding, and inadequate implementation of research processes are contributing to their poor performance. Vacant positions in various government-funded agricultural research projects remain unfilled due to lack of approvals, further affecting research and development.
To improve their national rankings, both universities need to focus on several areas: enhancing infrastructure (such as college buildings, hostels, libraries, and auditoriums), improving student facilities, increasing the student-teacher ratio, boosting research output, and fostering innovation and entrepreneurship. Meeting these challenges and adhering to evolving national standards is crucial for improving their rankings and overall impact.
