SAS&T Leh concludes Deeksha Arambh program, welcomes new Agri and Horticulture Students

LEH: The School of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (SAS&T), Leh Campus (Stakna), University of Ladakh, concluded its week-long Deeksha Arambh (Student Induction) Programme for the third batch of B.Sc. (Hons.) Agriculture and the inaugural batch of B.Sc. (Hons.) Horticulture students on Friday.

Held from July 16 to 24, the programme was organised under the guidance of Vice-Chancellor Prof. Saket Kushwaha to familiarise newly admitted students with the University’s academic environment, career opportunities, entrepreneurship and emerging areas in agricultural sciences.

The induction programme commenced on July 16 with an inaugural session attended by Prof. D. Namgyal, Associate Director, SAS&T, as the chief guest.

During the week, experts from academia, government departments and the private sector, along with SAS&T faculty members, delivered lectures and interacted with students on various aspects of agriculture, horticulture, entrepreneurship and climate-resilient farming.

Among the invited speakers, Sonam Lotus, Director, India Meteorological Department (IMD), UT Ladakh, spoke on Ladakh’s weather and climatic conditions, highlighting the growing role of meteorology in agriculture and climate adaptation.

Skalzang Dorjay, founder of Ladakh Agriclinic and an alumnus holding a Master’s degree in Agricultural Extension, shared his professional journey and discussed opportunities and challenges in the agriculture sector. He encouraged students to pursue innovation and entrepreneurship and aspire to become job creators.

Thinlas Nurbu, founder of Ladakh Basket, outlined his entrepreneurial experience and explained how his enterprise supports local farmers by promoting Ladakh’s agricultural produce in domestic and international markets. He informed students that the company’s products are marketed across India and exported to several countries.

To familiarise students with career opportunities in the public sector, Kunzang Dolma and Tsering Dolkar, Agriculture Extension Officers with the Department of Agriculture, UT Ladakh, briefed them on recruitment avenues, including the posts of Agriculture Extension Officer (AEO), Junior Extension Officer (JEO) and other allied services.

Another guest speaker, Sonam Angmo, an agri-entrepreneur specialising in mushroom cultivation and a postgraduate in Agricultural Economics, encouraged students to explore self-employment opportunities in agriculture.

The academic sessions were conducted by SAS&T faculty members, including Prof. Jigmat Yangchan (Soil and Water Engineering), Dr. Kunzes Angmo (Forage Crops), Dr. Sonam Spaldon (Vegetable Science), Dr. Kunzang Lamo (Fruit Science), Dr. Stanzin Yangsdon (Agricultural Extension), Dr. Shamim Ali (Animal Science), Dr. Thinlas Nurbu (Entomology), Dr. Stanzin Diskit (Plant Pathology), Dr. Rigzen Diskit (Agricultural Economics), Dr. Padma Angmo (Soil Science) and Dr. Lobzang Stanzen (Agronomy). Faculty members introduced students to their respective disciplines while highlighting career prospects, research opportunities and the scope of agricultural education.

The valedictory function was held on July 24, with Prof. D. Namgyal presiding as the chief guest. The programme was attended by Prof. M. S. Kanwar, Prof. Deldan Namgail, Prof. Jigmat Kangchan, faculty members and students.

On the occasion, Prof. Namgyal felicitated the guest speakers with traditional khataks and mementoes in recognition of their contributions. In his address, he appreciated the resource persons for sharing their expertise and encouraged the students to make the most of the academic opportunities available at the University. He urged them to work diligently towards becoming skilled agricultural professionals capable of contributing to the sustainable development of Ladakh.

The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr. Lobzang Stanzen, Assistant Professor of Agronomy, who expressed gratitude to the guest speakers, faculty members, staff and students for their support in the successful conduct of the induction programme.