Assam to Get Fourth Agricultural College, First in Barak Valley

The proposed college will be the first agricultural institution of its kind in the Barak Valley and is expected to expand access to specialised education, research and innovation in agriculture across southern Assam.

In a post on X, Sarma said the Cabinet's decision would create new opportunities for young people in the region to pursue higher education in agriculture.

“Assam is set to get its fourth Agricultural College and Barak Valley its first,” the Chief Minister said, adding that 84.6 acres at Patharkandi had been allotted for the proposed institution.

The college will come up in Patharkandi in Sribhumi district, where agriculture remains an important part of the local economy. The institution is expected to benefit students from the Barak Valley as well as neighbouring areas by providing greater access to professional agricultural education.

The Cabinet had earlier approved the transfer of land at Pratapgarh for establishing the College of Agriculture at Patharkandi. Earlier reports had put the proposed land allocation at around 256-257 bighas.

Besides offering academic programmes, the proposed institution could provide a base for research into crops, farming practices and agricultural technologies suited to the conditions of the Barak Valley.

The college is also expected to contribute to the development of skilled professionals in agriculture and allied sectors while strengthening the region's agricultural research infrastructure.

The project forms part of the Assam government's broader efforts to expand agricultural education and related infrastructure. The state Agriculture Department's responsibilities include agricultural training, mechanisation, irrigation, crop insurance, marketing and other support measures for farmers.

With the Cabinet approving the land allotment, the project has moved forward in the implementation process. Details on the college's courses, academic structure, construction schedule and admission process are expected to be announced by the state government in due course.