University of Horticultural Sciences, Bagalkote^[1] is a public university exclusively dedicated to the study and research of Horticultural Sciences established by the Government of Karnataka at Bagalkote district. Realizing the importance of Horticulture and the need for research and development support for its further expansion, the University of Horticultural Sciences, Bagalkot was established by the Government of Karnataka through a special ordinance (no.2 of 2008) on 22/11/2008 and duly enacted by Karnataka Act no-11 of 2010 dated 13/05/2010.

The university has three important mandates — imparting quality education; conducting applied strategic and basic research in all branches of horticulture and allied disciplines; and conducting and facilitating transfer of technologies to the benefit of farming communities through effective extension education system and outreach programmes.

Bagalkot was chosen for its headquarters as the district is known for its rich horticultural production base of grapes, pomegranate, banana, guava, fig, lime, sapota, ber, vegetables, beetle vine, coconut, spices, and medicinal plants. The district is surrounded by Belgaum in the west, Dharwad and Koppal in the south, Bijapur in the north, and Richur in the east, which are hubs for the production of grape, mango, pomegranate, flowers and vegetables. The area has a congenial climate for all kinds of crops besides its rich historical and cultural heritage making it an ideal place for the university. The mighty Almatti Dam is a backbone for both agri- and horticultural activity.