Inauguration of First Batch of B.Sc. (Hons.) Horticulture Programme at University of Ladakh’s Kargil Campus.

Inauguration of First Batch of B.Sc. (Hons.) Horticulture Programme at University of Ladakh’s Kargil Campus.
Kargil, July 11, 2025 — Marking a significant step towards enhancing agricultural education in the region, the University of Ladakh inaugurated the first batch of the B.Sc. (Hons.) Horticulture degree programme at its School of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (SAS&T), Kargil Campus.
The inaugural ceremony was graced by Prof. Saket Kushwaha, Hon’ble Vice Chancellor of the University of Ladakh, who served as the Chief Guest. Other distinguished attendees included Shri Nawng Tundup, Registrar; Dr. Mohammad Mehdi, Principal Scientist and Head of KVK Zanskar; Shri Raza Ali, Chief Horticulture Officer, Kargil; Dr. Nasreen Fatima, Senior Scientist and Head, KVK Kargil; and Dr. Mehboob Ali, In-Charge Administration, Kargil Campus.
A large number of students, including the first cohort of the B.Sc. (Hons.) Horticulture programme and the second batch of the B.Sc. Agriculture programme, along with faculty members and staff, participated in the event. The ceremony began with a ribbon-cutting by the dignitaries, followed by the National Anthem. Dr. Mansoor Ali, Assistant Professor, conducted the proceedings.
In his keynote address, Prof. Saket Kushwaha encouraged students to take full advantage of the opportunity to pursue professional education within their own hometown, emphasizing the value of staying rooted in the local community. He acknowledged the challenges that may accompany the early phases of such initiatives but assured students of the University’s commitment to delivering quality education blended with practical skills.
“Our focus is to equip students with the knowledge and competencies needed for successful careers in agriculture and allied sectors,” Prof. Kushwaha stated.
Dr. Faizan Ahmed, Dean of SAS&T, Kargil, underscored the significance of launching the Horticulture programme, particularly given Ladakh’s distinctive agro-climatic conditions. He highlighted the programme’s potential to contribute meaningfully to regional development and self-sufficiency.
Echoing this sentiment, Dr. Mohammad Mehdi congratulated the University for this pioneering step and stressed the importance of integrating need-based research with academic teaching to address the specific requirements of Ladakh’s farming communities.
Collaborative Efforts and Future Prospects
Shri Raza Ali, Chief Horticulture Officer, Kargil, lauded the collaborative efforts that led to the launch of the new programme. He expressed optimism that initial challenges could be successfully navigated through joint efforts and consistent support from stakeholders.
Similarly, Dr. Nasreen Fatima praised the swift launch of both the B.Sc. Agriculture and B.Sc. Horticulture programmes, noting the positive response from students in a short span of time.
Dr. Mehboob Ali, In-Charge Administration, appreciated the commitment of the Dean and faculty in rolling out professional agricultural courses aimed at building sustainable livelihoods in the region.