In a major step to improve agricultural education in India, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir has launched a new programme called the Student Rural Exploration Program (SREP). This initiative is part of the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP-20).
The programme was introduced under the leadership of Vice Chancellor Nazir Ahmad Ganai. During its first phase, more than 3000 students visited over 300 villages across the Kashmir Valley. Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel
This programme moves students out of classrooms and into real village environments. It helps them understand farming life closely and connects modern farming techniques with traditional local practices.
Speaking about the programme, Prof Ganai said that SREP is not just about education but a powerful change. He explained that students working directly in villages will help connect science with society, support farmers with knowledge, and create responsible professionals.
The programme includes students from different fields such as Agriculture, Horticulture, Veterinary Sciences, Fisheries, Sericulture, Forestry, and Agricultural Engineering. Each group has undergraduate, postgraduate, and PhD students guided by an expert scientist.
Students are working in teams to study village conditions through surveys and field activities. This gives them real experience of rural life and farming challenges.
The programme benefits both students and farmers. Students learn practical skills and collect important data, while farmers receive expert advice, new farming techniques, and information about government schemes.
Through this initiative, SKUAST-K aims to build strong trust with farmers. It also helps introduce better seeds, improved crop varieties, strong rootstocks, and high-quality animal breeds.
The programme also supports innovation and rural startups. University officials are actively monitoring the work and guiding students to turn their academic knowledge into real solutions.
SREP is being seen as a game-changing step for agriculture in India. It will now become a regular part of the university schedule, with village visits planned every two weeks.
This initiative is helping students become responsible and innovative thinkers who can support sustainable and climate-friendly farming.
By studying real problems in villages, SKUAST-K ensures that its research stays useful and relevant. The programme not only supports farmers but also prepares students to lead future agricultural development.
Overall, SREP is building a strong connection between science and farming, creating a better future for rural communities and agriculture.
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