Kargil, July 11, 2025 — In a significant development in the field of education, the University of Ladakh has formally launched a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) Horticulture course at its School of Agriculture Science and Technology campus in Kargil.

The inauguration ceremony was led by the Vice Chancellor of the University of Ladakh, Professor Dr. Saket Kushwaha, who formally opened the college by cutting the ribbon. The event was attended by university professors, scientists, and other dignitaries.

Addressing the gathering, Dr. Kushwaha underscored the importance of hard work, dedication, and full attendance in education. He highlighted that agriculture is not just a profession but also a means of serving the nation. He expressed hope that the new course would pave the way for youth to excel in knowledge, research, and self-reliance.

* Click to Follow Voice of Ladakh on WhatsApp *

Other speakers at the event included Professor Faizan Ahmad, Dr. Nasreen Fatima, Dr. Mehdi Akhoon, Registrar Nawang Tundup, and Chief Horticulture Officer Ali Raza. They hailed the initiative as a welcome step towards the educational advancement of Ladakh. The speakers emphasized that offering agricultural and horticultural education locally would allow students to learn in alignment with the region’s unique environmental and geographic conditions.

According to university sources, 17 students have enrolled in the first batch of the B.Sc. Horticulture course, while 43 students have joined the second batch of the B.Sc. Agriculture program. The first batch of B.Sc. Agriculture previously enrolled 20 students.

It is worth noting that earlier this year, the denial of admission to Ladakhi students by SKUAST (Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology) in Jammu & Kashmir had caused disappointment across the region. In this context, the University of Ladakh’s move has emerged as a beacon of hope for local youth, offering them the opportunity to pursue higher education within their own region.

This new educational journey is expected not only to enlighten Ladakh’s youth with knowledge but also to lay the foundation for agricultural development and self-sufficiency in the area.

Notably, since Professor Saket Kushwaha’s appointment as Vice Chancellor, the University of Ladakh—especially the Kargil campus—has undergone a significant academic transformation. This year alone, 24 new courses have been introduced, receiving an overwhelmingly positive response from the public.