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History and Mission

History and Mission of Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology & Sciences (SHUATS)

A Premier Institution Committed to Excellence in Education, Research, and Development

Pioneering Rural Transformation:

Dr. Higginbottom’s Legacy and the Birth of SHUATS

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Establishment of the Agricultural Institute by Dr. Sam Higginbottom

The Agricultural Institute was founded in 1910 by Dr. Sam Higginbottom as an ecumenical institution of Christian churches in India. Arriving in 1903, he taught economics and science at Allahabad Christian College (now Ewing Christian College) while studying the local dialect. Deeply concerned by poor agricultural practices and rural poverty, he envisioned an agricultural school to educate village boys, promote improved farming methods, and assist local farmers. He also supervised a leper home run by the Allahabad Charitable Association, striving to improve its inadequate facilities.

Philanthropy
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Dr. Sam Higginbottom's Compassionate Work with Lepers

Initially repulsed by the lepers’ suffering, Dr. Sam Higginbottom sought to be relieved of his duty, but Principal Arthur Henry Ewing urged him to continue. Realizing his attitude contradicted biblical teachings, he embraced the mission and sought financial support for a proper leprosy home. This led to the establishment of the Leprosy Hospital in Naini, featuring a small hospital, church, and a home for untainted children—an initiative led by his wife, Ethelind Higginbottom. Nearby, inspired by improved farming techniques at Naini Jail, he taught these methods to lepers capable of farming.

Empathy
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The Evolution of the Agricultural School by Dr. Sam Higginbottom

The establishment of the agricultural school was a complex process driven by Dr. Sam Higginbottom’s vision to train young men for village work and agricultural research. His experiences as a teacher and his association with Col. Hudson shaped his approach. Observing that Western-based economics courses were impractical for Indian students, he introduced hands-on learning by taking them to villages and Col. Hudson’s farm at Naini Jail. He also emphasized practical village industries. In 1910, he founded the Agricultural Institute in the trans-Jamuna region, across from Allahabad Christian College, near a two-tiered wooden bridge connecting to the city.

Visionary
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Reclamation and Growth of the Agricultural Institute by Dr. Sam Higginbottom

The Agricultural Institute was established in one of the poorest regions, with barren, uncultivated usar soil. Dr. Sam Higginbottom and his team reclaimed the land, demonstrating its potential and inspiring local farmers. Strategically located near the Sangam, thousands of pilgrims passing by each year witnessed improved farming methods and spread these ideas across India. The Institute's first phase (1912–1919) focused on development and training, despite initial uncertainty. It introduced diplomas in farm machinery and dairying (1923), an agriculture degree (1932), and Asia’s first agricultural engineering degree (1943). Prof. Mason Vaugh, a pioneer in agricultural engineering, established the department in the early 1940s.

Reclamation
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Development and Growth of the Agricultural Institute: Pioneering Agricultural Practices and Expanding Education

Prof. Mason Vaugh introduced several implements in India, including the Wah Wah Plough, U.P. No.1 and No.2, Shabash Plough, hoes, cultivators, and a wheat thresher. In 1948–49, Dr. A.T. Mosher led the next phase of expansion, constructing the College of Agriculture, a new hostel, and residences. The renowned "Jamuna Par Punar Yojna" introduced the "Gaon Saathi" (village-level workers) into India's extension system, later adopted by 11 countries. In October 1947, the Institute came under an independent Board of Directors, sponsored by various Christian missions. On August 25, 1950, A.A.I. was officially registered as a national Christian educational institute.

Expansion
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From Struggles to Success: The Growth of SHUATS

Dr. J.B. Chitamber, a renowned extension scientist, led the Institute from 1950 to 1980, driving major academic expansion and strengthening its extension programs. However, from 1980 to 1995, the Institute faced severe financial and administrative crises, leading to bankruptcy, unpaid salaries, and land sales. By 1996, through faith and perseverance, it overcame this crisis. To enhance academic freedom and strengthen teaching, research, and extension, Director Dr. Rajendra B. Lal submitted a proposal to the Ministry of Human Resource Development on August 31, 1994, for Deemed University status.

Resurgence
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University Recognition and Growth

In 1997, experts from ICAR and UGC recommended Deemed University status for the Institute. On March 15, 2000, the Government of India approved the recommendation, appointing Most Rev. Prof. Rajendra B. Lal as the first Vice-Chancellor. Under his leadership, the university earned an “A Grade” accreditation from NAAC in 2013 and accreditations from ICAR (2009) and ICFRE (2010). To honor Dr. Sam Higginbottom, the institute was renamed "Sam Higginbottom Institute of Agriculture, Technology & Sciences" in 2009. Efforts to upgrade it to a full-fledged university culminated in the pursuit of a State Act from 2010.

Evolution
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Establishment as a Full-Fledged University

Through the dedicated efforts of the Hon’ble Vice Chancellor and the availability of necessary staff and infrastructure, the Uttar Pradesh Legislature upgraded SHUATS to a full-fledged university under the State Act. The Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences, Uttar Pradesh Act, 2016 (U.P. Act No. 35 of 2016) was passed and received the Governor's assent on December 27, 2016. It was officially notified in the Gazette, and the Act came into force on December 29, 2016.

Growth

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Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology And Sciences,
Rewa Road, Naini, Prayagraj (Formerly Allahabad) -211007, Uttar Pradesh, INDIA

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