IGNOU Activates 19 Agriculture-Based Programmes at SKUAST-Kashmir from July 2026

Ziraat Times Team Report

New Study Centre Established to Expand Access to Quality Agricultural Education and Skill Development in J&K

Srinagar, June 20: In a significant step towards expanding access to quality agricultural education in Jammu & Kashmir, the Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU), Regional Centre Srinagar, has established a new Study Centre at the Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K). On the consecutive demand of stakeholders, 19 agriculture-based programmes have been activated at SKUAST-K following an MoU signed by Vice Chancellor Prof. Nazir Ahmad (SKUAST-K) and Regional Director IGNOU Dr. A. H. Rizvi, with approval accorded by Prof. Uma Kanjilal, Vice-Chancellor IGNOU.

The newly established Study Centre will offer a wide range of academic programmes from IGNOU’s School of Agriculture (SOA), New Delhi, enabling aspiring students, agricultural professionals, entrepreneurs, and rural youth to pursue higher education and skill development through the Open and Distance Learning (ODL) mode. The centre aims to strengthen agricultural education, promote sustainable farming practices, and enhance employability opportunities in agriculture and allied sectors. Enrolled students will have access to academic counselling, learner support services, practical training, and expert guidance from both institutions.

The admission process for the July 2026 Admission Cycle is currently underway. Interested candidates can apply for various certificate, diploma, undergraduate, and postgraduate programmes offered by the SOA, IGNOU New Delhi. The activated programmes include Master of Science in Food Safety and Quality Management, MBA in Agribusiness Management, Post Graduate Diplomas in Food Safety and Quality Management and Agribusiness, and a Post Graduate Certificate in Agriculture Policy. It also includes a Bachelor of Science (Food Safety and Quality Management), alongside specialized Diplomas in Value Added Products from Fruits & Vegetables, Meat Technology, Watershed Management, Horticulture, Agricultural Cost Management, and Dairy Technology. Certificate courses in Beekeeping, Organic Farming, Poultry Farming, Water Harvesting & Management, and Sericulture, along with an Awareness Programme on Dairy Farming, are also available.

Speaking on the occasion, Regional Director Dr. A.H. Rizvi expressed confidence that this collaboration will significantly contribute to capacity building and human resource development, benefiting both urban and rural students through flexible and affordable education. Vice Chancellor Prof. Nazir Ahmad welcomed the initiative on the university premises, while Registrar Prof. Azmat Alam Khan committed to providing all necessary infrastructural facilities. Prof. (Dr.) Mohd. Altaf Bhat, Director Education SKUAST-K, convened the meeting for the centre’s establishment, and Prof. Vijayakumar P, Director SOA, played a major role at IGNOU Headquarters. Dr. Rohitashw Kumar, Associate Dean and Professor, has been appointed as the first Coordinator of the Learner Support Centre-30041, expressing his commitment to promotional activities and quality education. Prospective learners are advised to visit the IGNOU Admission Portal or contact IGNOU Regional Centre Srinagar or the Coordinator at SKUAST-K, Shalimar Campus, for detailed information.