The University was established by the Government of Andhra Pradesh through G.O.Ms.No.134 dated 26-06-2007 at Venkataramannagudem, near Tadepalligudem in West Godavari District. It is the second Horticultural University in the country. Andhra Pradesh being the leader in the production of mango, oil palm, chillies, turmeric, sweet orange, papaya and second largest producer of total fruits and spices richly deserves Horticultural University to increase the productivity, sustaining the productivity and commercialization of Horticulture in the State.

Started functioning w.e.f 26^th June 2007, the university was managed by the Agricultural Production Commissioner and Principal Secretary to the Government, ATM as the Special Officer supported by an Officer on Special Duty and Coordinator drawn from the Achrya NG Ranga Agricultural University. Three new Colleges of Horticulture, one each at Venkataramannagudem in West Godavari District, Mojerla in Mahaboobnagar District and Anantharajupet in Kadapa District were started in the 2007-08 academic year. The UG and PG educational programmes being offered at Rajendranagar, Hyderabad under Acharya NG Ranga Agricultural University were also brought into the fold of Andhra Pradesh Horticultural University from 2007-08 academic year onwards.