SRINAGAR, JULY 30: Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K) today marked a significant milestone in its academic journey as the Vice Chancellor, Prof Nazir Ahmad Ganai, flagged off the first batch of students of BTech Artificial Intelligence in Agriculture Programme proceeding to the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Mandi for their third year (Semester V and VI) studies under the collaborative academic arrangement between the two institutions.
The BTech Artificial Intelligence programme was conceived through a strategic collaboration between SKUAST-K and IIT Mandi with the objective of creating a new generation of professionals equipped with expertise in Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Robotics, Data Science, IoT, Digital Agriculture, Climate Intelligence, and other emerging technologies. The programme represents one of the first such initiatives in the country aimed at integrating advanced computing technologies with agriculture and allied sectors.
The outgoing students have successfully completed their first two years at SKUAST-K, where they underwent rigorous training in foundational engineering sciences, computer programming, mathematics, artificial intelligence fundamentals, deep learning, data science, IoT systems, and agricultural sciences.
During their one-year stay at IIT Mandi, the students will be exposed to advanced courses in Artificial Intelligence, Computer Networks, Programming Paradigms, Robotics and Automation, Vision and Learning-Based Control Systems, Design Practicum, Drones and Automation Technologies, along with specialized electives offered by IIT Mandi. The students will also gain access to the institute’s world-class laboratories, innovation ecosystem, startup culture, research facilities, industry-linked projects, and multidisciplinary academic environment.
The collaboration further envisages joint mentorship of students by faculty members from SKUAST-K and IIT Mandi, industry-linked capstone projects, internships, innovation-driven research, and exposure to national and international technology ecosystems. Through this model, students will have opportunities to work on real-world challenges related to agriculture, climate resilience, environmental sustainability, robotics, precision farming, and digital transformation.
Addressing the gathering, the Vice Chancellor congratulated the students on becoming the first cohort of the program and described the occasion as a historic milestone in the evolution of agricultural education in the country. He emphasized that the future of agriculture lies at the intersection of technology, data, automation, and artificial intelligence and urged the students to take full advantage of the opportunities available at IIT Mandi. He encouraged them to serve as ambassadors of SKUAST-K and contribute towards developing innovative solutions for sustainable agriculture, climate adaptation, food security, and rural transformation. He also welcomed the newly admitted batch of students and reaffirmed the University’s commitment to providing globally relevant, industry-oriented education through collaborations with premier institutions.
Prof Rohitashw Kumar, Associate Dean, College of Agricultural Engineering & Technology, highlighted the unique features of the programme and the collaborative efforts undertaken by SKUAST-K and IIT Mandi in designing a future-ready curriculum aligned with the objectives of the National Education Policy (NEP-2020), India AI Mission, Digital Agriculture Mission, and Viksit Bharat 2047. He emphasized that the programme has been structured to prepare students for leadership roles in emerging technology sectors by combining strong foundations in engineering and artificial intelligence with domain expertise in agriculture, thereby creating professionals capable of addressing real-world challenges through innovation, research, entrepreneurship, and technology-driven solutions.
The event concluded with the formal flag-off of the student contingent proceeding to IIT Mandi, marking the beginning of an important academic phase for the pioneering batch.
The initiative reinforces SKUAST-K’s vision of creating globally competent professionals capable of harnessing artificial intelligence and emerging technologies to address the challenges of agriculture, climate change, sustainability, and rural development while contributing to the nation’s technological advancement.
The programme was attended by Director Education, Prof. Mohammad Altaf Bhat; Registrar, Prof. Azmat Alam Khan; Associate Dean, College of Agricultural Engineering & Technology, Prof. Rohitashw Kumar; In-charge, Centre for Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning (CAIML), Dr. Showkat Rasool; faculty members, staff, students, and parents.
