Dr. N. Shivakumar, an incumbent Director of Education at the University of Agricultural Sciences (UAS), Mandya, completed his undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral studies at UAS, Bangalore. His doctoral research on sunflower focused on unraveling the genetics of self-incompatibility and developing population improvement methods, which significantly aided breeders in evolving superior inbred lines. Dr. Shivakumar began his career as a Junior Rice Breeder at ARS, Ponnampet, in 1993. Since 2004, he has been serving as a Senior Scientist in the AICRP on Forage Crops and as a Sugarcane Breeder at ZARS, V. C. Farm, Mandya. Over the course of his career, he has contributed to the development of eight rice varieties, two popular rice hybrids (KRH 4 and KRH 11), and several parental lines, including CMS and restorer lines of paddy. Notably, the hybrid KRH was released at the national level. More recently, he developed MSN 99, a fine-grain rice variety with superior cooking quality, which has been commercially released.In addition to rice breeding, Dr. Shivakumar has made significant contributions to the development of production technologies in forage crops, sugarcane, and pulses. He also played a pivotal role in the identification of a novel Brown Planthopper resistance gene, bph31.A prolific researcher, he has published around 67 research articles in peer-reviewed and Scopus-indexed journals. He has also guided numerous postgraduate and doctoral students, shaping the next generation of agricultural scientists.

The Directorate of Education, UAS Mandya, is committed to integrate agricultural education, research and extension to achieve academic excellence and serve the farming community effectively. It plays a key role in framing academic regulations, restructuring curricula, implementing examination reforms, and equipping faculty with updated skills. The Directorate also emphasizes quality education, research and publications, oversees the Communication Centre and University Publications, and ensures the maintenance of academic standards. The directorate is supported by the Registrar, Deans of constituent colleges, Dean (Postgraduate Studies), Dean (Students Welfare), Controller of Examinations, Communication Centre, and University Library. Special focus is given to faculty development, student amenities, library networks and creation of state of the art infrastructure. Through its strong extension network including Krishi Vigyan Kendras, Farmers Training Institutes and Staff Training Units, the Directorate ensures effective dissemination of technologies developed for farmers of diverse regions. By integrating teaching, research, and extension functions, it strives to nurture competent human resources, promote entrepreneurship and maintain quality in higher agricultural education.The University of Agricultural Sciences, Mandya, is dedicated to advance academic excellence in agricultural education, research and extension. Our goal is to equip students with knowledge, skills and innovation to address the evolving challenges in agriculture. We emphasize practical learning and scientific application to strengthen farming communities. With committed faculty and modern facilities, we strive to foster holistic development of our students. UAS Mandya continues to serve as a bridge between science and society. Together, we aim to promote sustainable growth and a prosperous future for farmers and the nation.