Transfer of 45 acres from Agricultural University to Veterinary University raises concerns

THRISSUR: The transfer of 45 acres of land from the Agricultural University to the Veterinary University is causing significant concern among the Mannuthi Agricultural Research Center staff. This issue which has been delayed for several years is now potentially impacting the research center negatively. Moreover, the proposed development of 1600 hectares of coalfields adds to worries about its potential effects on ongoing research.

At the heart of the dispute between the universities lies the ownership of the land bordering the Mannuthi National Highway. The upcoming cabinet meeting is set to deliberate on soil chemistry matters related to this land transfer. The recent settlement of 47 workers based on the Agricultural Research Center's land area, along with the hiring of 62 temporary workers, could be affected if the land is transferred, leading to the potential redeployment of permanent workers and the dismissal of temporary ones.

The Veterinary University has outlined plans to construct laboratory buildings and cultivate fodder on the land in question. However, officials from the Agriculture Research Center have expressed concerns, stating that the Cabinet note concerning the land transfer only considered the Veterinary University's report and excluded their inputs. Moreover, in 2022, the veterinary university did not engage in discussions with the legal secretary regarding this matter.

According to the University of Agriculture authorities, the land proposed for transfer in 2011 does not include the Agricultural Research Center or its attached 38.34 hectares. A committee in 2021 found that the proposed location was unsuitable for viable fodder production due to its rich genetic pool of perennial crops.

Contrarily, the Veterinary University claims ownership of the land, asserting that they are paying taxes for it. They argue that lack of space forced them to demolish old quarters for implementing a 23-crore zoological disease project funded by the central government. Additionally, the shortage of space is adversely affecting other ongoing projects.