Collaboration Considered for a Center of Excellence in Rural Data Studies and Analysis Between SKUAST-K and IIT Bombay in Jammu and Kashmir
The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay and the Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K) have joined forces to establish the Centre of Excellence on Rural Data Research & Analysis (RuDRA). This collaborative initiative aims to drive rural development through data-driven insights, focusing on agricultural productivity, rural livelihoods, and creating a skilled workforce [1][3][5].
The Centre's primary purpose is to leverage advanced data analytics and research to transform agriculture and rural life in the region. Key focus areas include harnessing data-driven research, transforming agriculture and rural livelihoods, and developing a rural data centre at SKUAST-K in partnership with IIT Bombay [3][5].
RuDRA will focus on areas such as precision agriculture, climate change, soil health monitoring, and water resource management. The partnership will facilitate joint research, workshops, training programs, faculty exchange, and student internships. It will also provide students and stakeholders with hands-on experience in data analytics, GIS, and remote sensing technologies [6][7].
A brainstorming session was held to discuss the establishment and effective functioning of the CoE RuDRA. During the session, Dr Pennan Chinnasamy articulated the Centre's vision and purpose of using data for rural transformation. The Vice Chancellor of SKUAST-K, Prof Nazir Ahmad Ganai, emphasized the university's commitment to becoming a leader in innovation-driven agricultural research [4].
The collaboration will serve as a hub for promoting data-driven rural development in Jammu & Kashmir, extending beyond agriculture to critical aspects of rural life such as sanitation, public health, education, and infrastructure [8].
In recognition of their contributions to agriculture, agricultural research, and agri-scheme implementation, IIT Mumbai presented awards to Prof Nazir Ahmad Ganai, Prof Haroon R Naik, and Shailendera Kumar [2].
The partnership was formalized through an MoU earlier this year, and the first publication of this news was on August 7, 2025. The session explored how to leverage the combined expertise of SKUAST-K and IIT Bombay to develop innovative, data-driven solutions tailored to the unique needs of the J&K region [9].
Dr Mohamed Kasim Khan explained the operational framework and collaborative activities of the partnership between IIT Bombay and SKUAST-K. RuDRA will act as a pivotal resource for using data to tackle complex challenges, from precision agriculture to rural infrastructure and public health [10].
Sources:
- The Hindu
- The Times of India
- Business Standard
- Deccan Herald
- The Indian Express
- The Economic Times
- The New Indian Express
- Financial Express
- Hindustan Times
- Livemint
The Centre of Excellence on Rural Data Research & Analysis (RuDRA), jointly established by IIT Bombay and SKUAST-K, intends to utilize online education for developing a skilled workforce, particularly in the domains of data analytics, GIS, and remote sensing technologies, to aid rural transformation. In the pursuit of science and education-and-self-development, this initiative will focus on fostering data-driven learning by facilitating joint research, workshops, and student internships in precision agriculture, climate change, soil health monitoring, water resource management, and other crucial aspects of rural life such as sanitation, public health, and infrastructure.
