Srinagar, March 7: In a significant move to enhance research collaboration and technological innovation in agriculture, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Mumbai). The partnership aims to integrate cutting-edge technology into sustainable agriculture, environmental management, and rural development.
The MoU was signed in the presence of Prof. Nazir Ahmad Ganai, Vice-Chancellor, SKUAST-K, along with senior faculty members, while Prof. Shireesh B Kedare, Director, IIT Bombay, and other key officials represented IIT Bombay. The collaboration will focus on joint research, faculty and student exchanges, and capacity-building initiatives.
Under the agreement, both institutions will work together in the following areas—technological integration in agriculture – utilising remote sensing, GIS-based land-use planning, and precision agriculture to improve farm productivity, climate resilience and resource management – developing data-driven solutions to tackle climate change, water conservation and land-use efficiency.
The agreement also focussed on digital agriculture and decision support systems – establishing advanced digital platforms for real-time agricultural monitoring and rural planning, academic and research exchange – facilitating joint research projects, curriculum development, and knowledge-sharing programmes.
Speaking at the event, Prof. Nazir Ahmad Ganai emphasised the need for strong academic linkages with premier institutions to equip researchers, students, and farmers with innovative, technology-driven solutions for modern agriculture. Prof. Shireesh B Kedare expressed confidence that the collaboration would serve as a model for research-driven policy interventions, addressing key challenges in food security, environmental sustainability, and rural development. As part of the MoU, SKUAST-K will also collaborate with IIT Mumbai’s Rural Data Research and Analysis (RuDRA) Lab to develop state-of-the-art decision support systems for rural development, further strengthening scientific and technological cooperation.
