Inaugurates SKUAST-K’s key infrastructure projects, launches new academic programmes
Says SKUAST-K to become ‘Top Innovation Led Farm University’
University secures 25 patents, establishes 26 startups in 4 years
Srinagar, June 05: In a significant boost to agricultural education and infrastructure, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha today inaugurated several key projects at Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (SKUAST) Kashmir.
The projects include the Shalimar Convention Centre, Kohimaran Hostel, and the Discovery Building, all aimed at enhancing the educational and research facilities of the university.
In his address, the Lt Governor reiterated the Union Territory Administration’s commitment to securing the future of the 70% population dependent on agriculture and allied sectors. He emphasized that the new Discovery Building, equipped with facilities for Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, is crucial for developing sustainable agricultural technologies that will help improve farmers’ incomes.
The Lt Governor lauded SKUAST Kashmir for incorporating “Innovation and Entrepreneurship” into its academic programs and fostering an ecosystem of innovation. He noted that the new undergraduate and master’s programs launched today will create a skilled workforce for the agro-based industry and agri-tourism.
“SKUAST Kashmir is poised to emerge as a ‘Top Innovation Led Farm University’ in the country, transforming subsistence and low-yield agriculture into a technology-driven agri-economy,” the Lt Governor stated. Over the past four years, the university has earned 25 patents and established 26 startups, 17 of which are registered as private limited companies. Additionally, in collaboration with IIT Mandi, SKUAST-K will start offering a B.Tech course in Artificial Intelligence this year.
Highlighting the significant contributions of the farming community and stakeholders in the agriculture sector, the Lt Governor remarked, “Today, we are empowering our youth with technologies like drones, artificial intelligence, machine learning, the Internet of Things, and blockchain to unlock the potential of the agriculture and food processing sectors in Jammu and Kashmir.”
The Lt Governor also applauded the Vice Chancellor, faculty members, and students of SKUAST-K for their efforts in implementing the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP) and sought their cooperation in further strengthening the agro-based industry ecosystem and increasing farmers’ incomes.
In addition to inaugurating the new facilities, the Lt Governor unveiled SKUAST-K’s working model of the National Education Policy-2020 and planted a tree sapling on the university premises.
Prof. Nazir Ahmed Ganai, Vice Chancellor of SKUAST-Kashmir, along with heads of departments, senior officials, faculty members, and students, were present at the event.
