HT Correspondent
JORHAT, Nov 20: The Assam Agricultural University is on a path to achieve self-sustainability by 2035, according to Vice Chancellor Dr. Bidyut Chandan Deka. Several initiatives have been launched to generate revenue, including the creation of a 3 km walking zone along a water stream within the campus, offering boating facilities, and developing heritage stay experiences in former vice-chancellor bungalows. The university has also introduced innovations in rice and mustard varieties, poultry vaccines, and other products, generating revenue through sales.
Installation of solar panels has significantly reduced the monthly electricity bill, and excess power is sold to the power grid. Plans include promoting startups among students and faculty, setting up a technology park, and exploring carbon finance and credit through an MoU with TERI and Renew.
The university aims to leverage its agricultural colleges, horticulture college, sericulture college, fishery college, community science college, and veterinary colleges to achieve financial sustainability.
Dr. Deka highlighted the university’s achievements in teaching, research, and extension, aiming to rank among the top five agricultural universities in India within the next few years.
Open distance learning modules have also been introduced, receiving a positive response from those interested in skill acquisition and small-scale enterprises.
