Dr. K.C. Narayanaswamy, the first Vice Chancellor of the University of Agricultural Sciences, Mandya, is a distinguished academician with over 35 years of service in teaching, research, extension, and administration, including 19 years as Professor. A Gold Medalist from UAS Bangalore, he completed his B.Sc., M.Sc., and Ph.D. in Sericulture with outstanding distinction, supported by a prestigious TNO Netherlands Fellowship for his doctoral research.

His professional journey reflects a progression through key leadership responsibilities such as Director of Education, Dean (Post Graduate Studies), Registrar, Controller of Examinations, and Nodal Officer for NAD Cell & CIDSA, before assuming charge as Vice Chancellor. He has pioneered innovative academic systems including centralized examinations, digital evaluation, the UGAM App for academic management, and integration of student records with the National Academic Depository.

Dr. Narayanaswamy’s research contributions focus on eco-friendly sericulture practices and patented IPM technologies, with significant impact on sustainable farming. He has guided 18 doctoral and 45 master’s students, authored 138 research papers, 29 books/chapters, and over 200 other publications. His leadership in projects has mobilized resources worth ₹110 crore, and he has successfully organized landmark events such as the 107th Indian Science Congress and multiple farmer-scientist and international conferences.

Recognized nationally and internationally, he is the recipient of 14 awards including the Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Lifetime Achievement Award, the Governor’s Appreciation Award (GoK), multiple Gold Medals from UAS Bangalore, and the Young Scientist Award from KAAS. His international exposure spans Thailand, Nepal, Israel, Dubai, China, and other countries.

Agriculture is our heritage, innovation is our future, and prosperity is our mission. The University of Agricultural Sciences, Mandya (UASM), formally established in 2025, stands proudly on the historic Visvesvaraya Canal Farm (VC Farm) campus, a cradle of agricultural innovation since 1931.

Our journey is deeply inspired by pioneers who envisioned and shaped scientific agriculture in Karnataka. Sri Nalwadi Krishnaraja Wadiyar, the Maharaja of Mysore, recognized the transformative power of irrigation and agricultural modernization, initiating the construction of the Krishna Raja Sagar (KRS) dam and laying the foundation for Mandya’s agrarian progress. Dr. L. Coleman, the first Director of Agriculture in Mysore State, established the Sugarcane Research Station at VC Farm in 1931, ushering in a new era of crop science. Later, Dr. C.H. Lakshmanaiah, fondly remembered as “Ragi Brahma”, revolutionized finger millet breeding, gifting resilient varieties that strengthened food security for millions. Their vision and dedication continue to inspire our mission today.

Carved out of UAS, Bangalore and KSNUAHS, Shivamogga, the University’s jurisdiction spans five agriculturally diverse districts, viz., Mandya, Mysuru, Hassan, Kodagu, and Chamarajanagar covering 27.33 lakh hectares across four agro-climatic zones. This diversity uniquely positions UAS Mandya to serve the aspirations of farming communities through excellence in Education, Research and Extension.

Our Academic strength lies in four constituent colleges offering diploma, undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programmes in Agriculture, Forestry, Natural Farming, Biotechnology, and Food Technology. With over 2000 students guided by 145 faculty members, our graduates consistently excel in national competitive examinations, contributing to India’s agricultural leadership.

Research is the hallmark of UAS Mandya. Research activities are carried out through eight research stations and 10 All India Coordinated Research Projects (AICRPs). With over 105 crop varieties released in rice, ragi, sugarcane, and maize, and more than 100 ongoing projects, the University continues to pioneer climate-smart, farmer-centric solutions that integrate modern science with indigenous wisdom. Our researchers are actively engaged in conserving genetic diversity, developing resilient crop varieties, and advancing technologies that address pressing challenges such as climate change, water-use efficiency, and sustainable resource management. These efforts not only strengthen food security but also position UAS Mandya as a hub of innovation for global agricultural collaborations.

Extension services form the vital bridge between laboratories and fields. Through three Krishi Vigyan Kendras and two Extension Education Units, the University empowers farmers with innovations such as smokeless villages, machine transplanting of paddy, contract farming of turmeric, and apical-rooted potato sapling technology. Beyond technology transfer, our extension programmes emphasize participatory approaches, capacity building, and grassroots engagement, ensuring that farmers are not just recipients of knowledge but co-creators of sustainable solutions. This holistic outreach strengthens rural livelihoods and fosters inclusive growth across our jurisdiction.

Recognized by the UGC and strengthened through an umbrella MoU with ICAR, New Delhi, UAS Mandya is poised to establish advanced facilities including an Artificial Intelligence laboratory, expand organic and natural farming, and launch international collaborations such as the sandwich programme to bring global perspectives to Mandya.

At UAS Mandya, every seed sown carries the promise of a brighter tomorrow. Together, we strive to nurture skilled professionals, advance frontier innovations, and empower farming communities for a sustainable and resilient future.

As the first Vice-Chancellor, I am honoured to lead this transformative journey. I invite you to explore our website and engage with our mission.

Dr. K.C. Narayanaswamy
Vice-Chancellor
University of Agricultural Sciences, Mandya