Leh: The Agriculture & Allied Students Union of Ladakh (AASUL) has welcomed the transfer of Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) to the University of Ladakh, terming it a major milestone for the Union Territory’s agricultural and academic landscape.
In a statement, AASUL said the move ends a long-pending demand that dates back to 2019, when Ladakh became a separate Union Territory. While most institutions were transferred after the reorganisation, six units of SKUAST-Kashmir located in Ladakh had continued under its control.
The union noted that significant progress was made in 2024 with the transfer of two research stations in Leh and Kargil to the University of Ladakh. It also highlighted the establishment of the region’s first professional agriculture and horticulture colleges at both campuses.
The final phase was completed on March 24, 2026, when the remaining four KVKs were formally transferred to the University of Ladakh. The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) and the university in New Delhi.
AASUL expressed gratitude to Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena and former LGs Kavinder Gupta and Brigadier (Dr) B D Mishra, along with officials from the Ministry of Home Affairs and UT administration, for facilitating the transfer.
The union also acknowledged the role of Chief Secretary Ashish Kundra, University of Ladakh Vice Chancellor Prof. Saket Kushwaha, and other stakeholders, including public representatives and student organisations, for their support throughout the process.
Describing the development as a collective achievement, AASUL said the transfer would strengthen agricultural education, research and extension services in Ladakh, while reaffirming its commitment to student welfare and the farming community in the region.
