SRINAGAR: In a major initiative to expand access to agricultural education and skill development in Jammu and Kashmir, Indira Gandhi National Open University has established a new Study Centre at Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir, with 19 agriculture-based academic programmes set to commence from the July 2026 admission cycle.
The Study Centre has been established following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between SKUAST-K Vice Chancellor Nazir Ahmad Ganai and IGNOU Regional Director A. H. Rizvi, with approval from IGNOU Vice-Chancellor Uma Kanjilal.
The new centre will offer programmes from IGNOU’s School of Agriculture (SOA), enabling students, agricultural professionals, entrepreneurs and rural youth to pursue higher education and skill development through the Open and Distance Learning (ODL) mode.
Officials said the initiative aims to strengthen agricultural education, promote sustainable farming practices and improve employability in agriculture and allied sectors. Students enrolled through the centre will receive academic counselling, learner support services, practical training and expert guidance from both institutions.
The 19 programmes include M.Sc. Food Safety and Quality Management, MBA in Agribusiness Management, Postgraduate Diplomas in Food Safety and Quality Management and Agribusiness, and a Postgraduate Certificate in Agriculture Policy.
Other courses include B.Sc. Food Safety and Quality Management, diplomas in Value Added Products from Fruits and Vegetables, Meat Technology, Watershed Management, Horticulture, Agricultural Cost Management and Dairy Technology.
Certificate programmes in Beekeeping, Organic Farming, Poultry Farming, Water Harvesting and Management, and Sericulture, along with an Awareness Programme on Dairy Farming, will also be offered.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Rizvi said the collaboration would contribute significantly to capacity building and human resource development by providing flexible and affordable education opportunities to both urban and rural learners.
Vice Chancellor Prof. Nazir Ahmad welcomed the initiative and described it as an important step towards expanding educational opportunities in the agriculture sector. Registrar Azmat Alam Khan assured full infrastructural support for the centre.
The establishment process was coordinated by Mohd. Altaf Bhat, while Vijayakumar P played a key role from IGNOU Headquarters.
Rohitashw Kumar, Associate Dean and Professor at SKUAST-K, has been appointed the first Coordinator of the newly established Learner Support Centre-30041.
The admission process for the July 2026 cycle is currently underway, and prospective students can apply through IGNOU’s admission portal or contact the IGNOU Regional Centre Srinagar and the Study Centre at SKUAST-K’s Shalimar campus for further details.
