Australian institute expresses interest to start agricultural university in Karnataka

Bengaluru: Australia’s Western Sydney University has shown interest in establishing an agricultural university in Karnataka, particularly in Bengaluru.

During a meeting with Higher Education Minister Dr MC Sudhakar and Chief Secretary Shalini Rajneesh in Bengaluru on Friday, a delegation led by Australian Consulate General McGeachy expressed interest in setting up the institution.

George Williams, Vice-Chancellor of Western Sydney University, stated that the university would focus on areas such as water management and the application of technology in agriculture. The delegation also expressed interest in collaborating with other state-run universities in Karnataka.

Information from Dr Sudhakar’s office revealed that the delegation has requested a 30,000-sqft space for the proposed university. Dr Sudhakar encouraged state universities to collaborate with Western Sydney University, while the chief secretary suggested considering a location outside Bengaluru and providing a 50 per cent reservation for state students.