Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to securing the future of the 70% population dependent on agriculture and allied sectors. Speaking at the inauguration of several key infrastructure projects, LG Sinha highlighted the administration’s dedication to enhancing agricultural productivity and farmer income through innovative technologies and academic advancements.
Inauguration of Infrastructure Projects
The Lieutenant Governor inaugurated the Shalimar Convention Centre, Kohimaran Hostel, and Discovery Building at the Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology, Kashmir (SKUAST-K). These new facilities are set to play a significant role in advancing agricultural education and research in the region.
Embracing Technology in Agriculture
The Discovery Building will offer state-of-the-art facilities for Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML), critical to developing sustainable agriculture technologies. LG Sinha emphasized that these innovations are essential to improving farmers’ income and transforming traditional farming practices into a more technology-driven agri-economy.
Educational Advancements
SKUAST-K has introduced new undergraduate and postgraduate programs focused on innovation and entrepreneurship in the agro-based industry and agri-tourism. The LG commended the university for its forward-thinking approach, noting that these programs would create a skilled and trained workforce ready to tackle future challenges in agriculture.
Innovative Achievements
Highlighting SKUAST-K’s achievements, LG Sinha mentioned that the university has earned 25 patents in the past four years and established 26 startups, with 17 registered as private limited companies. Additionally, in collaboration with IIT Mandi, SKUAST-K will launch a B.Tech course in Artificial Intelligence this year, further cementing its position as a leading innovation-led farm university.
Empowering the Youth
The LG stressed the importance of equipping the youth with modern agricultural technologies such as drones, IoT, and blockchain. These tools are expected to revolutionize the agriculture and food processing sectors in Jammu and Kashmir, providing new opportunities for the younger generation.
Recognition and Cooperation
LG Sinha acknowledged the significant contributions of the farming community and other stakeholders in nation-building. He also applauded the Vice Chancellor, faculty, and students of SKUAST-K for their role in implementing the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP) and called for their continued cooperation in strengthening the agro-based industry ecosystem.
National Education Policy Implementation
The Lieutenant Governor unveiled SKUAST-K’s working model of the National Education Policy-2020 and planted a tree sapling on the university premises, symbolizing growth and a sustainable future for agriculture in the region.
Presence of Dignitaries
The event was also graced by Vice Chancellor SKUAST-K, Prof. Nazir Ahmed Ganai, who alongside other faculty members and students, played a pivotal role in the day’s proceedings and the university’s ongoing initiatives.
