Ziraat Times Team Report
Srinagar: Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K) is setting new benchmarks in agricultural education, with a record increase in student enrollment, particularly from outside Jammu & Kashmir. The university, ranked 10th in Agriculture & Allied Sector by the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF), has seen its student intake double in recent years, reflecting its growing reputation as a national hub for agricultural and allied sciences.
Vice-Chancellor Nazir Ganaie, while speaking to Ziraat Times, emphasized this achievement, stating, “SKUAST-K is redefining the contours of education. Our model has now become a national model, and we take pride in leading the transformation of education in agriculture and allied sciences across the country.”
With 14 undergraduate programs and 65 master’s degree programs—the highest number among agricultural universities in India—SKUAST-K is now an attractive destination for students seeking specialized education in agriculture, biotechnology, forestry, horticulture, and related fields.
A nationally recognized model for Agricultural Education
SKUAST-K’s innovative approach to agricultural education has earned national recognition. The university’s unique “SKUAST-K Model” has been adopted as a National Model across 78 universities, reinforcing its leadership role in the sector.
Key highlights of SKUAST-K’s national recognition include:
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1st SAU (State Agricultural University) in Startups, supporting innovation-driven entrepreneurship in agriculture.
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Leading SAU in the Startup Ecosystem, securing 15 BIRAC-BIG Grants for agricultural research and commercialization.
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67 startups and 52 patents, demonstrating its strong research and innovation capabilities.
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First agricultural university to establish a Centre for AI & ML in Agriculture, integrating cutting-edge technology with traditional farming sciences.
Expanding undergraduate and Postgraduate offerings
SKUAST-K continues to enhance its academic offerings to meet the growing demand for agricultural education. Under its 2025 admission cycle, the university is offering:
Undergraduate courses in:
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Professional Programs: Agriculture, Horticulture, Sericulture, Forestry, Fisheries, Veterinary Science (BVSc & AH).
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Technology Courses: B.Tech in Artificial Intelligence, Agricultural Engineering, Biotechnology, Dairy Technology, and Food Technology.
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Basic Sciences: BSc (Hons) in Microbiology, Biochemistry, and Economics & Data Science.
Postgraduate/Master’s courses:
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Professional Programs: Veterinary Science, Agriculture, Horticulture, Sericulture, Fisheries, Forestry, and Community Science.
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Technology Programs: Agricultural Engineering, Food Science & Technology.
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Industry-Driven Courses: MSc in Agrochemicals, MBA in Agri-Business, Finance, Marketing, Human Resources, and Agro-Tourism.
Highest enrollment of non-J&K students
One of the most significant milestones for SKUAST-K is its increasing appeal among students from other states. Historically, agricultural universities in India have primarily catered to regional student populations, but SKUAST-K’s progressive initiatives and quality education have drawn students from across the country, making it a national institution.
This surge in enrollment from outside Jammu & Kashmir aligns with the university’s broader mission to integrate diverse perspectives into agricultural research and education.
Notably, SKUAST-K is offering Postgraduate Dual Degrees in collaboration with WSU, Australia, further strengthening its international academic ties.
Internships and rural innovation programs
To ensure that students gain practical exposure, SKUAST-K has launched several initiatives:
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National and International Internships, providing hands-on experience with leading organizations in agriculture and allied industries.
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Students’ Rural Exploration Program, encouraging grassroots innovations and fieldwork in rural communities.
