Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir,
Srinagar, (Jammu & Kashmir)

Name of the University: Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir

Year of Establishment: 1982

Vision :
To build basis for a knowledge-based and technology driven agri-economy in the bio-resource rich regions of Kashmir and Ladakh through excellence in HRD, translational R & D and ICT-driven outlook.

Mission:

• Reform Ag. Education to Generate Next Gen Human Capital who shall steer agri-economy in Kashmir and Ladakh.
• Make SKUAST-Kashmir a preferred destination for agri-education for its creativity, innovation, entrepreneurship, leadership, social and gender equity.
• Mobilize resources (human and financial) for technology development to build agri-economy.
• Use ICTs for knowledge and skill transfer to the farming community for profitable farm enterprises.

Jurisdiction / Area of Operation: Sher- e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K) with its headquarter at Shalimar, Srinagar has territorial jurisdiction of Mid to High Altitude Temperate region (1500- 2000 m a.m.s.l) of Kashmir and Cold Arid Region (2000 m a.m.s.l and above) of Ladakh

Educational Programmes offered (PG / UG / Ph. D/Diploma):
Details of Academic Programs in University/ Constituent College/ Faculty are given below

College of Agriculture, Wadura, Sopore

UG Programme
1. B.Sc. Agriculture

PG Programme
1. Agronomy; 2. Soil Science; 3. Plant Breeding & Genetics; 4. Seed Science and Technology; 5. Plant Pathology; 6. Agri. Entomology; 7. Agricultural Economics; 8. Agri. Extension and Communication; 9. Microbiology.

Ph.D. Programme
1. Agronomy; 2. Soil Science; 3. Genetics & Plant Breeding; 4. Seed Science and Technology; 5. Plant Pathology; 6. Agri. Entomology; 7. Agri. Extension and Communication; 8. Microbiology.

College of Horticulture, Shalimar Campus

UG Programme
1. B.Sc. Horticulture

PG Programme
1. M.Sc. Fruit Science; 2. Vegetable Science; 3. Food Science & Technology; 4. Floriculture & Landscape Architecture; 5. Plant Pathology; 6. Entomology; 7. Soil Science; 8. Environmental Sciences; 9. Biochemistry; 10. Plant Physiology; 11. Statistics; 12. Agricultural Economics; 13. M.B.A. (Horti-Business); 14. Biotechnology; 15. Agricultural Extension.

Ph.D. Programme
1. Fruit Science; 2. Vegetable Science; 3. Food Technology; 4. Floriculture & Landscape Architecture; 5. Plant Pathology; 6. Entomology; 7. Soil Science; 8. Environmental Sciences; 9. Biochemistry; 10. Plant Physiology; 11. Statistics; 12. Agricultural Economics; 13. Biotechnology; 14. Agricultural Extension.

College of Veterinary Sciences & Animal Husbandry

UG Programme
1. B.V.Sc. & A.H.

PG Programme
1. M.V.Sc. Veterinary Microbiology & Immunology; 2. Veterinary Surgery & Radiology; 3. Veterinary Public Health; 4. Animal Genetics & Breeding; 5. Animal Nutrition; 6. Animal Reproduction, Gynaecology and Obstetrics; 7. Veterinary Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine; 8. Livestock Products Technology; 9. Veterinary Parasitology; 10. Veterinary Clinical Medicine; 11. Veterinary Pathology; 12. Livestock Production & Management; 13. Poultry Science; 14. Veterinary Anatomy; 15. Veterinary Biochemistry; 16. Poultry Sciences; 17. Animal Biotechnology; 18. Veterinary and Animal Husbandry Extension; 19. Veterinary Physiology; 20. Veterinary Pharmacology and Toxicology.

Ph.D. Programme
1. Veterinary Microbiology & Immunology; 2. Veterinary Surgery & Radiology; 3. Veterinary Public Health; 4. Animal Genetics & Breeding; 5. Animal Nutrition; 6. Animal Reproduction, Gynaecology and Obstetrics; 7. Livestock Products Technology; 8. Veterinary Clinical Medicine; 9. Veterinary Pathology; 10. Livestock Production & Management; 11. Poultry Science; 12. Veterinary Biochemistry; 13. Animal Biotechnology; 14. Veterinary Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine; 15. Veterinary and Animal Husbandry Extension; 16. Veterinary Anatomy.

College of Fisheries, Rangil, Ganderbal

UG Programme
1. Bachelor of Fisheries Sciences

PG Programme
1. M.F.Sc. Fisheries Resource Management (FRM); 2. Aquaculture; 3. Aquatic Environmental Management (AEM); 4. Aquatic Animal Health Management (AAHM); 5. Fish Biotechnology; 6. Fish Nutrition and Feed Technology; 7. Fisheries Extension.

Ph.D. Programme
1. Ph.D. Fisheries Resource Management (FRM); 2. Ph.D. Aquatic Environmental Management (AEM)

College of Forestry, Benhama, Ganderbal

UG Programme
1. B.Sc. Forestry

PG Programme
1. M.Sc. Forestry (Silviculture and Agro-forestry); 2. Forest Biology and Tree Improvement; 3. Natural Resource Management; 4. Forest Product Utilization; 5. Wildlife Science.

Ph.D. Programme
1. Silviculture and Agro-forestry; 2. Forest Biology and Tree Improvement; 3. Natural Resource Management; 4. Forest Product Utilization.

College of Agricultural Engineering, Shalimar Campus

UG Programme
1. B. Tech in Agricultural Engineering

PG Programme
1. M. Tech in Agricultural Engineering (Soil and water Engineering); 2. M. Tech in Agricultural Engineering (Farm& machinery and Power Engineering); 3. M. Tech in Agricultural Engineering (Processing and Food Engineering); 4. Ph.D. in Soil and Water Engineering.

College of Temperate, Sericulture, Mirgund, Baramulla

UG Programme
1. B.Sc. Sericulture

PG Programme
1. M.Sc. Sericulture

Ph.D. Programme
1. Ph.D. Sericulture

Certificate/Diploma (Short Duration Skill Development) courses

Major Area of Research
Agriculture and allied sciences which include Sericulture, Horticulture, Agri Engineering, Forestry, Fisheries, Veterinary Sciences and Animal Husbandry.

Constituent Research Stations of SKUAST-Kashmir:

1. Dryland (Karewa) Agriculture Research Station, Budgam.
2. Saffron Research Station, Pampore.
3. Mountain Agriculture Research and Extension Station, Gurez, Bandipora.
4. Mountain Crop Research Station, Larnoo.
5. Mountain Field Crops Research Station, Khudwani.
6. High Altitude Maize Research Station, Sagam Anantnag.
7. Mountain Livestock Research Institute, Manasbal.
8. Ambri-Apple Research Centre, Shopian.
9. Mountain Research Centre for Sheep and Goat, Shuhama.
10. Advance Horticulture Research and Training center, Kupwara.
11. High Mountain Arid Agriculture Research Institute, Leh.
12. Mountain Agriculture Research and Extension Station, Kargil.

Highlights of Extension Education Activities- (Including number of KVK’S Training programme/certificate courses, etc.)

1. KVK, Malangpora, Pulwama
2. KVK, Narkara, Srinagar
3. KVK, Kupwara
4. KVK, Potushahi, Bandipora
5. KVK, Pombay, Kulgam
6. KVK, Kargil, Ladakh
7. KVK, Leh, Ladakh
8. KVK, Budgam, Haripora (Haran)
9. KVK, Ganderbal
10. KVK, Anantnag
11. KVK, Shopian
12. KVK, Nyoma Changthan, Ladakh
13. KVK, Zanskar, Ladakh
14. KVK, Gurez, Bandipora

118 trainings conducted under Skill Training of Rural youth (STRY) programme sponsored by MANAGE, Hyderabad in Agriculture, Animal Science, Apiculture, Horticulture, Vegetable Science, Forestry, Entomology, Mushroom, Manufacturing, Food Technology, Animal Husbandry, Dairy and Fisheries.

Strength of the University
Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K) has several strengths that contribute to its reputation and effectiveness as an agricultural institution. Some of these include:

1. Expertise in Agricultural Sciences: SKUAST-K has a strong faculty and research infrastructure dedicated to agricultural sciences. It offers a wide range of undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs in various fields such as Agriculture, Horticulture, Veterinary Sciences, and Fisheries.
2. Research and Development: The university is actively involved in research and development activities related to agriculture, horticulture, veterinary sciences, and allied fields. It conducts research projects in collaboration with national and international organizations, contributing to the advancement of agricultural knowledge and technology.
3. Location and Agro-Ecological Diversity: Located in the picturesque Kashmir valley, SKUAST-K benefits from its diverse agro-ecological zones, ranging from the temperate to the sub-tropical region. This allows for research and experimentation across various climatic conditions, providing valuable insights for crop diversification and adaptation strategies.
4. Collaboration and Networking: SKUAST-K maintains strong collaborations with national and international institutions, government agencies, and industry stakeholders. These partnerships facilitate knowledge exchange, joint research projects, and technology transfer, enhancing the impact of the university's work.
5. Farmer-Centric Approach: SKUAST-K places a strong emphasis on outreach programs and extension services, aiming to improve agricultural practices and the livelihoods of farmers in the region. It conducts training programs, demonstrations, and field visits to disseminate knowledge and promote sustainable farming practices.
6. Infrastructure and Facilities: The university is equipped with modern infrastructure and facilities, including well-equipped laboratories, research farms, experimental fields, and specialized centers of excellence. These resources support quality education, research, and practical training for students and researchers.
7. Agricultural Extension Services: SKUAST-K has a well-established agricultural extension wing that provides technical guidance, advisory services, and consultancy to farmers, entrepreneurs, and agricultural organizations. This helps bridge the gap between research findings and on-ground implementation, ensuring the effective transfer of knowledge and technologies.
8. Entrepreneurship and Skill Development: The university emphasizes entrepreneurship and skill development among students by offering courses and programs related to agribusiness management, agricultural marketing, and farm-based enterprises. It encourages students to become job creators and contributes to rural employment generation.

Overall strength of SKUAST-K lies in its strong foundation, research capabilities, collaboration networks, farmer-centric approach, and commitment to promoting sustainable agricultural practices. These qualities make it an esteemed institution in the field of agricultural sciences.

Achievements
Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K) has achieved several notable accomplishments in the field of agricultural sciences. Some of its achievements include:

1. 4th among SAUs as per NIRF ranking 2023.
2. ICAR Accredited Grade A university. Accreditation by VCI and ICFRI as well.
3. First and only agricultural university with rank in 11-50 band of NIRF Innovation ranking 2023.
4. First agricultural university to implement NEP-2020.
5. University with Degree-by-design and start-up options for students as well as faculty members.
6. Recipient of DBT star college status.
7. Recipient of Prestigious Rajiv Gandhi Chair.
8. Winner of IIGP-2018 and 2019.

Niche Area of Excellence

• Crop Diversification: SKUAST-K has made significant contributions to the diversification of crops in the temperate region. It has developed and released improved varieties of crops suited to the temperate climate, including rice, maize, apples, cherries, pears, walnuts, almonds, saffron, and various vegetables. These varieties are adapted to the specific agro-climatic conditions, resulting in enhanced productivity and quality of produce. More than 100 varieties released till date.
• Horticulture and Floriculture: SKUAST-K has expertise in horticulture and floriculture practices in the temperate region. It has conducted research on cultivation techniques, pest and disease management, post-harvest handling, and value addition of horticultural crops. The university has also played a vital role in the development of the floriculture industry in the region, promoting the cultivation of flowers like tulips, roses, and lilies.
• Protected Cultivation: Given the shorter growing season and harsh climatic conditions of the temperate region, protected cultivation techniques such as greenhouses and polyhouses are crucial for crop production. SKUAST-K has focused on research and technology development in protected cultivation, including the development of low-cost structures, optimized production systems, and climate control mechanisms suitable for the temperate and cold arid climate.
• Livestock and Animal Husbandry: SKUAST-K has expertise in livestock and animal husbandry practices relevant to the temperate region. It conducts research on breed improvement, nutrition, health management, and disease control in dairy cattle, sheep, goats, and poultry. The university's research has contributed to the development of improved livestock breeds and the adoption of scientific practices for increased productivity and income in the livestock sector.
• Sustainable Agriculture Practices: SKUAST-K promotes sustainable agriculture practices in the temperate region. It emphasizes the use of organic farming methods, water management techniques, and integrated pest management strategies to minimize the environmental impact of agriculture. The university's research and extension activities focus on educating farmers about sustainable practices, conserving natural resources, and promoting climate-resilient agricultural systems.
• Entrepreneurship and Agribusiness: SKUAST-K encourages entrepreneurship and agribusiness development in the temperate region. It offers specialized courses and training programs on agribusiness management, value chain development, and market linkages. The university supports aspiring agripreneurs in establishing their own enterprises, facilitating rural economic growth and employment generation.

SKUAST-K ‘s niche area of excellence in temperate agriculture positions it as a leading institute in temperate region. Its research, education, and extension efforts in this area contribute to the sustainable development and prosperity of agriculture and allied sectors in the region in addressing the specific challenges and opportunities presented by the unique agro-climatic conditions of the Kashmir valley.

Status of Autonomy
Yes

Funding Support received
SKUAST-K, University Budget of the financial year 2022-23 (Rs.in Millions)

State: 2871.521
ICAR: 42.9366
Other sources: 536.5571
Total: 3451.015

Faculty position

Student Intake
UG: 588
PG: 333
Ph.D.: 206

Contact Details