Kargil: In a significant milestone for agricultural education in Ladakh, the University of Ladakh officially inaugurated the first batch of the B.Sc. (Hons.) Horticulture programme at its School of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (SAS&T), Kargil Campus. The move marks a step forward in providing specialized academic opportunities tailored to the region’s unique agro-climatic conditions.
The inaugural ceremony was graced by Prof. Saket Kushwaha, Hon’ble Vice Chancellor of the University, as the Chief Guest. Other prominent dignitaries included Shri Nawng Tundup, Registrar; Dr. Mohammad Mehdi, Principal Scientist and Head of KVK Zanskar; Shri Raza Ali, Chief Horticulture Officer, Kargil; Dr. Nasreen Fatima, Senior Scientist and Head of KVK Kargil; and Dr. Mehboob Ali, In-Charge Administration, Kargil Campus.
The event drew participation from a large number of students, including the first cohort of B.Sc. (Hons.) Horticulture and the second batch of the B.Sc. Agriculture programme, along with faculty and staff. The ceremony commenced with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, followed by the National Anthem. Proceedings were conducted by Dr. Mansoor Ali, Assistant Professor.
In his keynote address, Prof. Saket Kushwaha encouraged students to embrace the opportunity of pursuing professional education close to home, highlighting the University’s commitment to blending academic excellence with practical skills.
“Our focus is to equip students with the knowledge and competencies needed for successful careers in agriculture and allied sectors,” he affirmed.
Dr. Faizan Ahmed, Dean of SAS&T, emphasized the programme’s relevance to Ladakh’s local context, underscoring its potential to contribute to regional development and self-reliance in horticulture and agriculture.
Echoing this vision, Dr. Mohammad Mehdi praised the University for launching such a timely and relevant programme, urging the integration of need-based research with academics to support local farming communities more effectively.
Collaborative Spirit and Institutional Commitment
Shri Raza Ali, Chief Horticulture Officer, lauded the collaborative efforts that led to the successful rollout of the programme and expressed optimism that any initial challenges could be addressed through coordinated stakeholder engagement.
Dr. Nasreen Fatima commended the swift establishment of both agriculture-related courses and noted the positive response from students, which she said reflects the growing interest in professional agricultural education in Ladakh.
Concluding the event, Dr. Mehboob Ali, In-Charge Administration, appreciated the dedication of the Dean and faculty in designing curriculum and infrastructure that align with sustainable livelihood goals for the region.
