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History - Madras Agricultural Journal

History of the Madras Agricultural Journal & MASU

Nurturing Agricultural Excellence Since 1911

Welcome to the official home of the Madras Agricultural Students' Union (MASU) and the historic Madras Agricultural Journal (MAJ). Since our founding in 1911, MASU has been a cornerstone of agricultural learning, leadership, and community. Through MAJ, we have provided a trusted platform for generations of scientists, students, and practitioners to share knowledge, showcase research, and shape agricultural progress in India and beyond.

Our Legacy: A Century of Growth and Impact

The Early Years (1911-1923)

MASU was established in 1911 by agricultural students of the Madras Presidency. The first President was Mr. Cecil Wood, with Mr. De Silva as Vice-President and Mr. Ramaswamy Sivan as the first Secretary and founding Editor of the Journal. Initially launched as an "Agricultural Year Book," the journal evolved into a formal publication in 1913, embodying a spirit of scholarly collaboration.

Building Foundations (1923-1961)

In 1923, MASU was formally registered as a Society (Reg. No. 1/1923-24). The journal was renamed The Madras Agricultural Journal in 1924 and received ISSN 0024-9602, making it India's first agricultural journal with this distinction. The Union attracted future agricultural leaders, notably Dr. M.S. Swaminathan, a MASU member and renowned architect of India's Green Revolution.

A Golden Era and Continued Relevance (1961-Present)

The 1961 Golden Jubilee was marked by the special publication "Advances in Agricultural Sciences," featuring leading scientists, including Dr. Swaminathan. MASU surpassed 4,500 student members by 2011 and expanded globally. The journal embraced digital publishing, joined the DOAJ (2008), and partnered with EBSCO (2012) to increase reach and impact.

The Madras Agricultural Journal: A Living Record

MAJ is a peer-reviewed, open-access journal publishing original research and reviews in agriculture and allied sciences. Uninterrupted since 1913, it remains a respected voice, particularly across Southern India. As of January 2024, MAJ holds a NAAS rating of 4.36. Its archives offer a unique view of the evolution of Indian agriculture over the last century.

Our Scope and Academic Focus

MASU: A Student-Driven Community

Looking Ahead

MASU and MAJ remain committed to promoting research and education in agriculture through innovation, collaboration, and open access. We welcome readers, students, contributors, and supporters to join this century-long journey of agricultural excellence.

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