Srinagar: SK University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology, Kashmir commenced four-week national online training on” Data Science and Machine Learning using Python”.
The programme is organised by the university, under the World Bank-ICAR funded National Agricultural Higher Education Project (NAHEP) for institutional development of SKUAST-K, in collaboration with the National Institute of Electronics & Information Technology (NIELIT), Chandigarh.
Held under the guidance of Vice-Chancellor, SKUAST-K, Prof JP Sharma, students, scholars and faculty members from various institutes of the country are participating in the training.
SKUAST-K’s Director Planning & Monitoring, and PI NAHEP Prof Nazir Ahmad Ganai said that such training programmes will pave the way for the fourth industrial revolution, which is driven by artificial intelligence, machine learning, IoT, robotics and drones.
He said SKUAST-K is working with top national, international institutes and tech companies to infuse the innovative and tech-driven startup culture among the students. He stressed for creation of the next-gen human capital capable of driving the knowledge-based and technology-driven agri-economy. He said in order to achieve this goal the university needs to work in close synergy with the peer institutes and the industry partners, to produce human capital with qualities for creativity, innovation, and entrepreneurship for the 4th industrial revolution.
Gurjit Singh, Scientist F, and HOD NIELIT Chandigarh gave an overview of activities conducted by NIELIT Chandigarh. He also talked about the functioning and the collaboration they have with different institutes and how the students have benefited through their different training programmes. He expressed the desire to have more such impactful collaborations with SKUAST-Kashmir, through the currently devised training programmes.
The Course instructors, Anita Budhiraja, Joint Director NIELIT and Dr Sarwan Singh, Deputy Director, NIELIT Chandigarh, gave a detailed overview of the training programme. They explained the importance of Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence in making productive decisions and predictions using Next-Gen Technologies.
NRHM Consultant Prof Farooq Ahmed Zaki said that technology-driven agriculture is the main focus as the traditional farming methods are not sufficient to fulfil the food requirements of the rising population. “There is an inherent and indispensable need for use of AI&ML in agriculture and allied sectors,” he said.
Dr Showkat Rasool, Coordinator of the training programme conducted the proceedings of the function. The Training program is coordinated and conducted by team IDP-NAHEP, SKUAST-Kashmir.

KR Desk