Sri Konda Laxman Telangana State Horticultural University: Nurturing Excellence in Horticultural Education and Innovation in India
Introduction
Sri Konda Laxman Telangana State Horticultural University (SKLTSHU), located in Telangana, India, is a premier institution dedicated exclusively to horticultural sciences and allied sectors. Named in honor of Sri Konda Laxman Bapuji, a prominent freedom fighter and Telangana movement leader, the university serves as a cornerstone of agricultural development through its education, research, and extension activities.
SKLTSHU is playing a crucial role in enhancing horticulture productivity, promoting sustainable agriculture, and equipping students with the skills to become professionals, researchers, and entrepreneurs in the domain. With state-of-the-art infrastructure, focused research initiatives, and practical exposure, the university offers a transformative learning environment tailored for the challenges of modern agriculture.
1. Establishment and Background
- Established: 2014
- Act: Sri Konda Laxman Telangana State Horticultural University Act, 2014
- Headquarters: Rajendranagar, Hyderabad, Telangana
- Jurisdiction: Entire state of Telangana
- Formerly part of: Dr. Y.S.R. Horticultural University (Andhra Pradesh)
Legacy and Significance
After the bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh in 2014, the horticultural colleges and institutions located in the Telangana region were reconstituted under the newly formed SKLTSHU. The university was established to focus solely on horticultural sciences and improve the sector’s performance through specialized education, training, and research.
2. Affiliations and Recognition
- Recognized by:
- University Grants Commission (UGC)
- Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR)
- Ministry of Agriculture, Government of India
- Affiliated Colleges:
The university operates two constituent colleges and a number of research stations and horticultural polytechnic colleges across Telangana.
3. Address and Contact Details
Main Campus Address:
Sri Konda Laxman Telangana State Horticultural University
Rajendranagar, Hyderabad – 500030
Telangana, India
📞 Phone: +91-40-2401 4052
🌐 Website: www.skltshu.ac.in
📧 Email: registrar@skltshu.ac.in
4. Colleges and Departments
Constituent Colleges:
- College of Horticulture, Rajendranagar (Hyderabad)
- College of Horticulture, Mojerla (Mahabubnagar district)
Academic Departments:
- Fruit Science
- Vegetable Science
- Floriculture and Landscape Architecture
- Plantation, Spices, Medicinal and Aromatic Crops
- Postharvest Technology
- Crop Physiology
- Entomology
- Plant Pathology
- Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry
- Horticultural Engineering
- Agricultural Economics and Statistics
5. Academic Programs and Courses Offered
SKLTSHU offers Undergraduate, Postgraduate, Doctoral, and Diploma programs in various fields related to horticulture.
Undergraduate Program:
- B.Sc. (Hons.) Horticulture – 4 years
Postgraduate Programs:
- M.Sc. (Horticulture) in:
- Fruit Science
- Vegetable Science
- Floriculture & Landscaping
- Plantation Crops
- Post-Harvest Technology
- Entomology
- Plant Pathology
- Soil Science
- Agricultural Economics
Doctoral (Ph.D.) Programs:
- Specializations in various horticultural sciences including biotechnology and plant protection.
Diploma Programs:
- 2-Year Diploma in Horticulture offered in polytechnic colleges affiliated to SKLTSHU.
6. Campus Facilities
The university campuses are equipped with agro-infrastructure, modern labs, and field demonstration units. Key facilities include:
Academic and Research Infrastructure:
- Smart classrooms and lecture halls
- Departmental laboratories
- Plant tissue culture labs
- Protected cultivation units (greenhouses, shade nets)
- Fruit and vegetable orchards
- Experimental plots for student training
- Postharvest technology labs
Student Amenities:
- Boys’ and girls’ hostels
- Central library with digital access
- Sports and recreation facilities
- Canteens and mess facilities
- Transport and medical services
7. Research Activities and Extension Work
Research Focus Areas:
- Crop improvement in regional fruits and vegetables
- Pest and disease management using eco-friendly techniques
- Precision horticulture and organic farming
- Post-harvest handling and cold chain management
- Climate-resilient horticultural practices
Research Units and Farms:
- Several Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) under the university’s umbrella
- Field research stations across Telangana
- Collaboration with ICAR institutes, ICRISAT, and private R&D centers
Publications and Projects:
- Ongoing government-funded and ICAR-sponsored projects
- National and international conference participation
- Research papers in reputed horticultural journals
8. Career Development and Placement Cell
SKLTSHU runs a dedicated Career Development and Placement Cell to guide students in various professional avenues including jobs, entrepreneurship, and higher studies.
Key Services:
- Placement drives for final-year students
- Workshops on resume writing, interview skills
- Agricultural entrepreneurship development
- Guidance for ICAR JRF/SRF/ARS and civil services
- Collaboration with agro-industries and horticultural firms
Employment Opportunities:
- Government jobs in horticulture departments
- Scientists in ICAR and state agricultural universities
- Horticulture Officers (HOs)
- Farm managers, consultants, and agribusiness entrepreneurs
- Employment in seed, fertilizer, and food processing industries
9. Notable Alumni
As a relatively young university, SKLTSHU is building its alumni base. Graduates have successfully:
- Cleared competitive exams for government jobs
- Established start-ups in organic farming and nurseries
- Worked in international agriculture and food organizations
- Joined Ph.D. programs in leading agricultural universities
10. Rankings and Reputation
Although not ranked in commercial rankings like NIRF yet, SKLTSHU is:
- One of India’s few exclusive horticultural universities
- Recognized for its student-to-field training model
- Known for specialized research in fruit and flower crops
- Trusted partner in government horticulture initiatives in Telangana
11. Academic Excellence and Faculty
- Faculty members are ICAR-NET/ARS qualified
- Participation in international exchange and training programs
- Curriculum includes experiential learning modules (ELPs)
- Regular industry-academia interactions
12. Collaborations and MoUs
SKLTSHU collaborates with:
- ICAR institutes like IIHR, IARI
- International partners: FAO, ICRISAT
- Private sector in floriculture, nursery management, and seed technology
- State government for rural outreach and farmer training
13. Admissions Process
Admissions are conducted based on state-level entrance examinations and ICAR quotas for various courses.
Eligibility Criteria:
- UG: 10+2 with Biology and Agriculture/Science background
- PG: Relevant UG degree + entrance exam
- Ph.D.: PG in horticulture or allied subjects + written test/interview
14. Student Life and Extracurriculars
Despite its academic focus, the university encourages a balanced student life.
Activities Include:
- National Service Scheme (NSS)
- Annual cultural and sports meet
- Study tours and industrial visits
- Celebration of horticulture week and exhibitions
- Gardening competitions, quiz, and debate events
Conclusion
Sri Konda Laxman Telangana State Horticultural University is a specialized agricultural university that blends education, innovation, and rural empowerment. With its commitment to promoting sustainable horticultural practices and its emphasis on research, training, and entrepreneurship, SKLTSHU is significantly contributing to the horticultural transformation of Telangana and beyond.
It stands as a symbol of inclusive growth, ensuring that students from rural and farming backgrounds have access to quality, job-oriented education, while also promoting the cause of food security, nutrition, and environmental sustainability through horticultural science.
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