Srinagar, July 30 (KNS): Sher Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology, Kashmir (SKUAST-K) today marked an important milestone in its academic journey as Vice Chancellor Prof. Nazir Ahmad Ganai admitted the first batch of BTech Agriculture Artificial Intelligence program for their third year (Semester V and VI) of study under collaborative research at Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Mandi. Academic agreement between two institutions.
The BTech Artificial Intelligence program has been conceived through a strategic collaboration between SKUAST-K and IIT Mandi with an aim to develop a new generation of professionals with expertise in artificial intelligence, machine learning, robotics, data science, IoT, digital agriculture, climate intelligence and other emerging technologies. The program is one of the first efforts in the country to integrate advanced computing technology with agriculture and related fields.
Graduates successfully completed their first two years at SKUAST-K, receiving rigorous training in basic engineering sciences, computer programming, mathematics, fundamentals of artificial intelligence, deep learning, data science, IoT systems, agricultural sciences, and more. The curriculum is specially designed to give students an in-depth understanding of both technical and agricultural fields before moving to IIT Mandi for advanced coursework.
During their one-year stay at IIT Mandi, students take advanced courses in Artificial Intelligence, Computer Networks, Programming Paradigms, Robotics and Automation, Vision and Learning-Based Control Systems, Design Exercises, Drones and Automation Technologies, in addition to specialized electives offered by IIT Mandi. Students will also have access to the Institute’s world-class laboratories, innovation ecosystem, startup culture, research facilities, industry collaboration projects, and interdisciplinary academic environment.
The partnership further envisages co-mentoring of students by SKUAST-K and IIT Mandi faculty, industry-linked capstone projects, internships, innovation-driven research, and exposure to national and international technology ecosystems. Through this model, students have the opportunity to work on real-world challenges related to agriculture, climate resilience, environmental sustainability, robotics, precision agriculture, and digital transformation. Click here to follow our WhatsApp channel.
Speaking at the gathering, Vice-Chancellor Prof. Nazir Ahmad Ganai congratulated the students on becoming the first participants of the program and described the occasion as a historic milestone in the evolution of agricultural education in the country. He stressed that the future of agriculture lies at the intersection of technology, data, automation and artificial intelligence and urged students to make the most of the opportunities available at IIT Mandi. He encouraged them to act as ambassadors for SKUAST-K and contribute to the development of innovative solutions for sustainable agriculture, climate adaptation, food security and rural transformation. He also welcomed the new students and reaffirmed the university’s commitment to providing a globally relevant and industry-oriented education through collaboration with leading institutions.
Professor Rohitashu Kumar, Deputy Dean, Faculty of Agricultural Engineering and Technology, highlighted the unique features of the program and the joint efforts made by SKUAST-K and IIT Mandi in designing a future-ready curriculum in line with the goals of the National Education Policy (NEP-2020), Indian AI Mission, Digital Agriculture Mission and Vikshit Bharat 2047. He emphasized that the program is structured to prepare students for leadership roles in emerging technologies. By combining a strong foundation in engineering and artificial intelligence with agricultural expertise, we create professionals who can address real-world challenges through innovation, research, entrepreneurship, and technology-driven solutions.
The event concluded with the official departure of the student contingent to IIT Mandi, marking the beginning of an important academic phase for the pioneering group. This initiative strengthens SKUAST-K’s vision to develop globally competent professionals who can leverage artificial intelligence and emerging technologies to address challenges in agriculture, climate change, sustainability and rural development, while contributing to the country’s technological progress.
The program was attended by Director of Education Professor Mohammad Altaf Bhat. Registrar, Professor Azmat Alam Khan. Professor Rohitash Kumar, Deputy Dean, Faculty of Agricultural Engineering and Technology; Dr. Shaukat Rasool, Center for Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (CAIML). Faculty, staff, students, parents (KNS)
