Prof Surinder K Gupta becomes SKUAST acting VC

Prof Surinder K Gupta has assumed the office of acting Vice Chancellor of Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Jammu today in compliance to J-K Lieutenant Governer’s Secretariat. He shall look after the routine work of the office of the Vice Chancellor till the time new Vice Chancellor joins.

After assuming charge, Prof Gupta pledged to work for the progress of the University. Pointing out that SKUAST-Jammu has a major role to play in an era of technological advancements, he expressed optimism that he would be able to enable its students, farmers, scientists and stakeholders to achieve progress in this regard. Such efforts are crucial in the ongoing efforts to attain a knowledge society, he added.

He visited Organic Farming Research Centre and Honey Bee Unit and also distributed carp seed to Central Reserve Police Officers. Prof Gupta took stock of various ongoing teaching, research and extension activities of the University and sought cooperation of all the staff members for taking the University to new heights.

He said that he will assign high priority to bridge the gap between the farmer and the scientist and urged scientists to work together with team spirit to achieve the goals of creating competent human resource for the sustainable development of agriculture and allied sectors. Prof Gupta obtained his bachelor's in Veterinary Sciences from Bihar Veterinary College, Patna, in 1983, followed by a Master's in Veterinary Medicine from Rajendra Agricultural University, Bihar, in 1987. In 1995, he was awarded a doctorate degree in veterinary medicine for his pioneering research on field vaccination against bovine tropical theileriosis and immune response monitoring by HAU, Hisar.

With an impressive academic background and deep-rooted connection to the local agricultural landscape, Prof Gupta brings a wealth of knowledge, administrative acumen, and a passionate commitment to agricultural and livestock development. His appointment marks a significant milestone in SKUAST-Jammu's pursuit of excellence in agricultural education and research. He is the senior most selected professor since 2005 and has guided 12 PG students. He has around 100 international and national publications to his credit and has organised one international and three national seminars, four mega Kisan Melas. He was instrumental in the establishment of two new KVK’s at Ramban and Kishtwar districts as Director Extension.

Having held prominent administrative positions within SKUAST-Jammu, including Dean F.V.Sc., University Librarian, and Director of Extension, Prof Gupta has consistently demonstrated his leadership capabilities and commitment to the betterment of the agricultural community. His deep understanding of the local agricultural ecosystem and unwavering dedication to agricultural advancement positions him as a pivotal figure in shaping the future of SKUAST-Jammu, driving advancements in agricultural education, and spearheading cutting-edge research.

The Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology, Kashmir has secured the fifth rank among agriculture universities under the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF), 2023 of the Union Ministry of Education with a cumulative score of 59.50. Among the overall agriculture institutions of the country, SKUAST is ranked 9th alongside IARI, NDRI, IVRI, and CIFE. SKUAST-K is already ranked as the ‘Band Excellent’ under Atal Innovation Ranking.