Dr. Pradeep Kumar Sharma, Vice-Chancellor, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology-Jammu (SKUAST-J), called on Governor N.N. Vohra, Chancellor of the University, at the Raj Bhavan here today.Dr. Sharma informed the Governor about the achievements of SKUAST-J which included the University securing the 6th rank among all the State Agricultural Universities of India, based on “Careers 360 Ranking”. In the academic arena, a record number of 38 students qualified the JRF; this number includes 15 from BSc.(Ag), 10 from M.V.Sc and 13 from the Biotechnology stream; 4 BSc. (Hons.) Biotech students have qualified the Management Aptitude Test (MAT) and 4 PG students have secured Inspire Fellowships for doctoral programmes; 2 Ph.D. students have been awarded Rajeev Gandhi Fellowships, one each in Agronomy and Soil Science.
Briefing the Governor about the status of admissions, VC informed that 2,167 students applied for CET for admission to the 215 seats in the under-graduate programme and 181 for the 129 seats in the post-graduate programs; 2 students from Afghanistan have been admitted for MSc. Forestry and Agronomy.VC informed that for making improved seeds produced by the university available at the farmer’s doorsteps the Directorate of Research, in collaboration with KVKs, has launched a “Beej Vahan” program. Till today the Beej Vahan has covered 10 villages and supplied 500 Kg Basmati- 370 seeds to farmers. Also an “Organic Farming Research Centre” has been established at Chatha with the objective of developing alternate organic farming practices and standardization of production package for the major crops in the Jammu region. He said that 10 new ad-hoc research projects worth Rs. 1.7 crore have been sanctioned to the University. Complimenting Dr. Sharma about the work already done the Governor advised him to maintain sustained pace for continuing up gradation of academic, research and extension activities, securing visible improvement in the production and productivity levels and ensuring efficient functioning of all the KVKs under the University.