Vasantrao Naik Marathwada Krishi Vidyapeeth

VNMKV is one of four Agricultural Universities in the State of Maharashtra. Prior to original Maharashtra Agricultural University, it was established on May 18, 1972 to fulfil the regional aspirations of agrarian growth. It is entrusted with the responsibilities to pro- vide education in agriculture and allied fields, undertake research and facilitate technology transfer in Marathwada region of Maharashtra. The first college of Agriculture was established in this region at Parbhani in 1956 by Hyderabad State Govern- ment just before State reorganization. During Nizam's rule, however, agricultural education was available only at Hyd- erabad but crop research centres viz., sorghum, cotton, fruits existed in the region. The foundation of research was laid by the erstwhile Nizam State with commencement of the Main Experimental Farm at Parbhani in 1918. The famous 'Gaorani' desi cotton is the result of the research on cotton and local sorghum cultivars were improved by selection by the then Economic Botanist. Since then Parbhani remain the hub of educational, research and extension activ- ities in Marathwada.