Srinagar, July 4, 2025 – The Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (SKUAST-Kashmir) marked a significant milestone with its 6th Convocation Ceremony held at the Shalimar Convention Centre in Srinagar. The event, graced by distinguished dignitaries, highlighted the university’s contributions to the agricultural sector in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) and celebrated the remarkable achievements of its students, particularly women, who dominated the awards tally.Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, also the Chancellor of SKUAST-K, addressed the gathering, commending the university for its role in creating a “competent and competitive human resource” and shaping the farm sector in the J&K Union Territory. He also praised SKUAST-K for its remarkable improvement in national and global rankings, positioning it as a leader in agricultural education and innovation. “It was a pleasure to address the 6th Convocation of SKUAST-Kashmir. I congratulate the university for its contributions and wish the students a bright future,” Sinha said.Union Minister for Agriculture, Farmers’ Welfare, and Rural Development, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan, served as the chief guest, emphasizing the success of the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP). “HADP is improving the income of 13 lakh farmer families in Kashmir and is being seen as a role model across India,” he stated. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, the Pro-Chancellor of SKUAST-K, also attended, expressing pride in the achievements of female students.
Women Lead the Way in Academic ExcellenceA standout feature of the convocation was the dominance of women students in academic accolades. Out of 150 gold medals awarded for outstanding performance, 115 were conferred to women. Additionally, 334 out of 445 Certificates of Merit were awarded to female students, reflecting their significant contributions to agricultural sciences and technology.Chief Minister Omar Abdullah highlighted this achievement, stating, “Daughters of the country are scripting a golden future. I warmly congratulate them and their parents, whose silent sacrifices and support have nurtured this success.” This remarkable representation underscores SKUAST-K’s commitment to gender inclusivity and empowerment in education, positioning J&K as a hub for progressive agricultural innovation.Award Distribution at a Glance
| Category | Total Awards | Women Recipients | Percentage (Women) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gold Medals | 150 | 115 | 76.67% |
| Certificates of Merit | 445 | 334 | 75.06% |
SKUAST-K’s Contributions to J&K’s Farm SectorSKUAST-Kashmir has been instrumental in advancing the agricultural landscape of J&K through research, innovation, and education. Lieutenant Governor Sinha lauded the university’s efforts in making the HADP a success, noting its role in enhancing the livelihoods of over 13 lakh farmer families. “SKUAST-K has made significant strides in transforming the farm sector, ensuring sustainable growth and prosperity,” he said.
The university’s improved ranking in national and global indices was also a focal point of the event. This progress reflects SKUAST-K’s growing reputation as a premier institution for agricultural sciences, fostering innovation and addressing challenges in the J&K farm sector.Key Achievements of SKUAST-Kashmir
| Achievement | Details |
|---|---|
| Degrees Conferred | 5,250 (Undergraduate, Postgraduate, Doctoral) |
| Gold Medals Awarded | 150, with 115 to women students |
| Certificates of Merit | 445, with 334 to women students |
| Contribution to HADP | Supporting 13 lakh farmer families in J&K |
| Ranking Improvement | Significant rise in national and global rankings |
A Bright Future for J&K and IndiaThe convocation saw 5,250 students receiving undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral degrees, marking a significant contribution to the agricultural workforce. The event highlighted SKUAST-K’s role in fostering talent capable of addressing modern agricultural challenges, from climate resilience to technological innovation.Union Minister Chouhan also appealed to the public to visit Jammu and Kashmir, emphasizing the region’s progress despite recent challenges. “J&K is not only a land of natural beauty but also a hub of academic and agricultural excellence,” he said.
ConclusionThe 6th Convocation of SKUAST-Kashmir was a testament to the university’s pivotal scream in shaping the future of agriculture in J&K and beyond. The overwhelming success of women students in securing gold medals and certificates of merit signals a transformative shift in the field, with daughters of the nation leading the charge. As SKUAST-K continues to climb the ranks of academic excellence, its contributions to sustainable agriculture and rural development promise a brighter, more prosperous future for J&K and India.
