For the first time in the State, the University of Agricultural Sciences Bangalore (UAS-B) has launched a new undergraduate programme, BSc in Natural farming, for the academic year 2026-27.

In addition to this, it has launched two other programmes, including BSc in Forestry and BSc in Biotechnology.

Speaking to The Hindu, S.V. Suresha, Vice-Chancellor, UAS-B, said, “Natural farming is the need of the hour, and a lot of students and faculty members from across the State have placed their suggestions to start this course. We also did our research regarding the job perspectives and analysed that a lot of start-ups and corporate companies are on the lookout for graduates who have studied natural farming. Currently, the undergraduate programmes that we offer are a mix of both conventional farming and natural farming.”

Prof. Suresha said, “On the other hand, various research studies conducted by universities have pointed out how the use of pesticides pose a significant risk of diseases to humans, agricultural workers and the environment. It is linked to developmental delays among children and neurological damage across various age groups. In addition to this, it results in killing bees and ladybugs reducing pollination, causing soil and water contamination and more. This is where natural farming play an important role.”

Prof. Suresha also stated that initially, the intake of students is restricted only to 60 each for all the three programmes.

“Regarding the BSc in Forestry, only two institutions in Karnataka have UG, PG and PhD programmes in forestry. It includes the College of Forestry at Ponnampet in Kodagu, affiliated to the Indian Council for Agricultural Research (ICAR) and the College of Forestry in Sirsi, affiliated to UAS in Dharwad. Most students were looking for an opportunity to study at UAS Bengaluru. This course comprises Silviculture and Agro Forestry and other concepts that teach students to blend crop cultivation, livestock management and timber production. Students who are aspiring for Indian Forest Service (IFS) usually prefer pursuing this programme,” he said, adding that students from Kolar, Mandya, Ramanagara, Chickballapur, Doddaballapur will benefit from it.