IGNOU Launches 19 Agriculture Programmes at SKUAST-Kashmir: Admissions Open for July 2026

To boost agriculture, agribusiness, and allied science, especially in Jammu & Kashmir, the Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) has introduced 19 Agricultural programmes through distance learning modes. Students who are aspiring to build their careers in agriculture can now get a quality education flexible learning option as IGNOU has established a new Learner Support Centre at Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K).

Through various undergraduate and postgraduate programmes, the objective is to prepare skilled professionals and empower agribusinesses across the country. The admission will be starts form July 2026, making it an ideal option for working professionals, entrepreneurs, and remote learners.

A Major Boost to Agricultural Education

As the demand from stakeholders seeking specialized agricultural education increases,IGNOURegional Centre Srinagar and SKUAST-Kashmir have launched new study centers under their collaboration. Both institutes signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), aiming to provide flexible, affordable, and industry-relevant education through IGNOU's Open and Distance Learning (ODL) mode. Students who will be enrolled in these programs will receive academic counselling, learner support services, practical guidance, and access to expert faculty, ensuring a comprehensive learning experience.

Programmes Offered Under The Initiative

The newly activated center will offer 19 programmes from IGNOU's School of Agriculture, covering certificate, diploma, undergraduate, postgraduate, and management courses.

Category
Programs
Postgraduate Programs
Master of Science in Food Safety and Quality Management
MBA in Agribusiness Management
Post-Graduate Diploma in Food Safety and Quality Management
Post-Graduate Diploma in Agribusiness
Post-Graduate Certificate in Agriculture Policy
Undergraduate Programs
Bachelor of Science in Food Safety and Quality Management
Certificate Courses
Organic Farming
Beekeeping
Poultry Farming
Water Harvesting & Management
Sericulture
Dairy Farming Awareness Programme
Diploma Courses
Diploma in Horticulture
Diploma in Dairy Technology
Diploma in Watershed Management
Diploma in Meat Technology
Diploma in Agricultural Cost Management
Diploma in Value Added Products from Fruits & Vegetables

What Officials Say

Speaking at the event, Dr. Rizvi stated that the relationship would greatly help to capacity building and human resource development by providing flexible and inexpensive educational options to students from both urban and rural communities.

Moreover, Prof Ganai hailed the center's establishment at SKUAST-K and stated his hope that it will expand agricultural education options. Registrar Prof. Azmat Alam Khan promised full infrastructure support for the center's operations.

Prof. Altaf Bhat, Director Education at SKUAST-K, is appointed as the coordinator, while Vijayakumar P played a key role from the IGNOU headquarters. Additionally, Dr Rohitashw Kumar, Associate Dean and Professor at SKUAST-K, has been named the inaugural Coordinator of Learner Support Centre-30041.

To know more about the online course offered by IGNOU through SKUAST-K, students are advised to visit the official website of IGNOU or connect with the regional center at Srinagar.

Stay connected withEducation Mitrafor the latest updates on IGNOU admissions, examination schedules, results, scholarships, and higher education news.