Agriculture has been the backbone of Pakistan’s economy since the country was established, contributing significantly to its GDP and employing a large portion of its population. The province of Sindh, located in the southern region of Pakistan, is known for its fertile soil and favourable climate conditions, making it a hub of agricultural activities.
To cater to the needs of the agriculture industry in the province, the Sindh Agriculture University (SAU) was established in Tandojam in 1977. Graana.com provides an overview of Sindh Agriculture University below, including its history, affiliations and partnerships, and more.
About Sindh Agriculture University
Sindh Agriculture University is located in the small town of Tando Jam town in Hyderabad. It is situated on the Hyderabad-Mirpurkhas highway. According to the Higher Education Commission, Sindh Agriculture University is the third-best university for agriculture studies in Pakistan.
The university is comprised of a total of five faculties, namely the Faculty of Crop Production, Faculty of Crop Protection, Faculty of Agricultural Social Sciences, Faculty of Agricultural Engineering, and Faculty of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Sciences, along with two other institutes, namely the Information Technology Centre and Institute of Food Sciences and Technology.
Three colleges are associated with the university: Sub Campus Umarkot, Shaheed Z. A. Bhutto Agriculture College Dokri, and The Khairpur College of Agricultural Engineering and Technology. In addition, there is also a Directorate of Advanced Studies and Research.
These five institutions have a total of 41 departments that cover various fields of study. The degrees offered include Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (D.V.M), Bachelor of Engineering in Agriculture (B.E. Agriculture), Bachelor of Science in Agriculture Honours, and Bachelor of Science in Information Technology Honours (BS-IT Honours).
Postgraduate programs are also offered at the university, including M.S/ME and MS-IT in various disciplines, such as Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Sciences, Agricultural Engineering, Information Technology, and all the fields related to agriculture mentioned earlier. The university also offers M.Phil and Ph.D. degree programs in specific subjects.
History of Sindh Agriculture University
Sindh Agriculture University was founded in 1977 by the government of Sindh with the support of the government of Pakistan and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).
The main aim of the university was to provide quality education and research facilities in various fields of agriculture to help farmers increase their productivity and improve their livelihoods.
Affiliations and Partnerships
Sindh Agriculture University has affiliations and partnerships with various national and international organisations to enhance its academic and research activities. The university has signed Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with universities in the USA, Europe, and Asia to facilitate student and faculty exchange programs and joint research projects.
SAU has also partnered with various national and international organisations to carry out research projects and provide training and technical assistance. Some notable partnerships include the World Bank, Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), International Maize and Wheat Improvement Centre (CIMMYT), and Pakistan Agricultural Research Council (PARC).
These collaborations have helped the university stay abreast of the latest trends and advancements in the field of agriculture and contribute to the development of the sector in Pakistan.
Faculties
The university regularly offers a limited number of short courses and training programs to cater to the education and in-service training requirements of various groups of clients such as agriculture officers, agricultural technicians, bank officials, field assistants, progressive farmers, tenants, small farmers, housewives, gardeners and other relevant groups. The university has the following departments:
Agriculture Engineering
- Farm Structure
- Basic Engineering
- Energy and Environment
- Farm Power and Machinery
- Irrigation and Drainage
- Land and Water Management
Agriculture and Social Sciences
- Agriculture Economics
- Agriculture Extensions
- Rural Sociology
- Statistics
- English
- Islamic Studies
Crop Production
- Agronomy
- Biotechnology
- Horticulture
- Crop Physiology
- Plant Breeding & Genetics
- Soil Science
Crop Protection
- Entomology
- Plant Pathology
- Plant Protection
Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Sciences (AVHS)
- Animal and Histology
- Animal Nutrition
- Animal Breeding and Genetics
- Animal Products
- Animal Reproduction
- Veterinary Parasitology
- Veterinary Pathology
- Veterinary Pharmacology
- Veterinary Medicines
- Livestock
- Poultry and Husbandry
- Surgery and Obstetrics
Information Technology Centre
- Software Engineering and Information System (MS-IT)
- Computerisation and Network (MS-IT)
Eligibility for Degree Programs
Candidates must have at least a grade “C” or above (equivalent to a minimum of 50% marks) in Intermediate Science (Pre-Medical, Pre-Engineering, Pre-Computer) or an equivalent examination to be eligible for admission to the graduate degree programs offered by the university. Candidates should check the specific requirements of each faculty, ITC & IFST, as the eligibility criteria may vary.
Placement and Student Counselling Services
The Students Counseling and Placement Center is responsible for guiding students who wish to apply for degree programs based on the availability of seats and other relevant factors. The centre is also responsible for assisting university graduates in finding employment opportunities in both public and private organisations.
To achieve this, the centre maintains a record of the addresses and contact numbers of all graduating students and keeps them updated with suitable job opportunities according to their qualifications. Additionally, the centre monitors the job market demand for graduates and provides guidance to help them start their careers in disciplines that offer immediate job opportunities after graduation. Furthermore, the centre addresses the daily concerns and issues of the students.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What programs does Sindh Agriculture University offer?
A: Sindh Agriculture University offers undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs in various fields of agriculture, including crop production, livestock, forestry, and agricultural engineering.
Q: What is the admission process for Sindh Agriculture University?
A: The admission process for Sindh Agriculture University varies depending on the program. Generally, students need to appear for an entrance test, submit their academic transcripts, and meet the eligibility criteria set by the university.
Q: What research activities are carried out at Sindh Agriculture University?
A: Sindh Agriculture University has established centres and institutes to carry out research projects on various aspects of agriculture, including crop breeding, livestock management, and natural resource management.
Q: What affiliations and partnerships has Sindh Agriculture University established?
A: Sindh Agriculture University has established affiliations and partnerships with various national and international organisations to enhance its academic and research activities. Some of the notable partnerships include the World Bank, Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), and Pakistan Agricultural Research Council (PARC).
Q: What contributions has Sindh Agriculture University made to the agriculture sector in Pakistan?
A: Sindh Agriculture University has contributed significantly to the agriculture sector in Pakistan by improving agricultural practices, developing new crop varieties, and advancing livestock and poultry farming.
Q: What are the future prospects and challenges for Sindh Agriculture University?
A: The future prospects for Sindh Agriculture University include expansion plans and addressing climate change. The university faces challenges in terms of funding and resources.
To read more about Greenwich Univesity Karachi, visit Graana Blog.
