About Dr. K. M. Harinikumar
Dr. K. M. Harinikumar, born on 21st July 1961 in H. Kodihalli, Mandya, is a distinguished academician and administrator with over three decades of service in Agricultural Education, Research, and Institutional Development. Currently serving as Special Officer at the University of Agricultural Sciences, Mandya, he has held pivotal roles including University Head and Administrative Officer at UAS, Bangalore, and Chief Cane Development Officer at Mysore Sugar Company Ltd.
His tenure in the sugar industry notably increased factory turnover by 25% through efficient cane transport logistics. He pioneered community welfare initiatives such as constructing village-level Samudaya Bhavanas and establishing a Junior ITI College in Mandya for farmers’ children. At UASB, he led infrastructure enhancements in the PG Boys Hostel, including solar water heating, internet access, and sustainable energy systems.
Dr. Harinikumar has published 60 research papers and 124 abstracts, guided 10 Ph.D. and 23 M.Sc. scholars, and led 18 major research projects. His contributions have earned him prestigious honors including the Y.K. Ramaiah Agricultural Scientist Award (2021), Adarsh Vidya Saraswati Rashtriya Puraskar (2021), and the Distinguished Scientist Award (2016, Nepal). He is a Fellow of the Society for Applied Biotechnology and has been felicitated during Kannada Rajyotsava by Sri Ambareesh, Member of Parliament, GoI.
His service on academic statutory bodies, including roles as Chief Warden, Programme Officer, and ADSW, reflects his commitment to student welfare and institutional excellence.
Special Officer’s Message
Welcome to the University of Agricultural Sciences, Mandya - an institution born from Karnataka’s rich agrarian legacy and envisioned to lead the future of sustainable farming and rural innovation.
Karnataka, with a cultivable area of over 86 lakh hectares, is a national leader in the production of Ragi, Maize, Paddy, Sugarcane, Sunflower, Mulberry, Sandalwood, Coconut and Arecanut. The roots of scientific agriculture in the state trace back to the visionary Maharaja of Mysore, Sri Nalwadi Krishnaraja Wadiyar, who initiated agricultural modernization alongside the construction of the Krishna Raja Sagar (KRS) dam in Mandya. The establishment of the Agriculture Department in 1913 and the Sugarcane Research Station in 1931 - now Visvesvaraya Canal Farm (V.C. Farm), laid the foundation for agricultural research and education in the region.
V.C. Farm gained prominence through pioneers like Dr. C.H. Lakshmanaiah, fondly remembered as “Ragi Brahma” for his contributions to finger millet breeding. The College of Agriculture, Mandya, began its journey in 1991-92, followed by the Krishi Vigyan Kendra in 2000, strengthening the region’s commitment to rural agricultural education and outreach activities.
Recognizing the need for a dedicated agricultural university in the Mysuru revenue division, the Government of Karnataka constituted a committee chaired by Dr. S. Rajendra Prasad, Former Vice Chancellor, UAS Bangalore. Based on its recommendations and the revised Model Act of ICAR (2023), the Government approved the establishment of the University of Agricultural Sciences at V.C. Farm, Mandya.
The University now serves Mandya, Mysuru, Hassan, Kodagu, and Chamarajanagara districts, spanning the Southern Dry Zone, parts of the Southern Transition Zone and Hilly zone. It encompasses four teaching campuses and a network of research stations, AICRPs, KVKs, and extension units, all dedicated to empower farmers, students, researchers and entrepreneurs.
As Special Officer, I am honoured to lead this transformative journey. I invite you to explore our website and engage with our mission to sow knowledge, cultivate innovation and prosperity in agriculture.
