Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
This question addresses the history and progression of agricultural education reforms in post-independence India.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Assertion A Analysis: The University Education Commission (1948-49), chaired by Dr. S. Radhakrishnan, comprehensively reviewed the higher education landscape in India. A major recommendation of the commission was the establishment of "Rural Universities" to cater directly to the training, research, and extension needs of rural and farming populations. This makes Assertion A correct.
Reason R Analysis: Following the commission's reports and joint Indo-US advisory teams, the first Agricultural University in India, Govind Ballabh Pant University of Agriculture and Technology (GBPUAT), was established in 1960 at Pantnagar. This university was modeled after the US Land-Grant University system, which closely integrates teaching, research, and agricultural extension work. This makes Reason R correct.
Since both statements are factually accurate, the correct option is (A).
Step 3: Final Answer:
Hence, both A and R are true.