Latest news with #SriKondaLaxmanTelanganaHorticulturalUniversity
Hans India
6 days ago
- Science
- Hans India
SKLTGHU honoured with Best University Award for promoting open-source GIS in education
Hyderabad: Sri Konda Laxman Telangana Horticultural University (SKLTGHU), Telangana, has been conferred the prestigious Best University Award by IIT Bombay as part of the National Geospatial Awards 2025 – Edition 02, recognizing the university's outstanding commitment to promoting Free and Open-Source Software for Education (FOSSEE-GIS). The award ceremony took place during the Open-Source GIS Day Celebrations at IIT Bombay, honoring institutions that have made significant contributions to geospatial science and education. Receiving the award on behalf of SKLTGHU was Vice Chancellor Dr. D. Raji Reddy, a climatologist, who highlighted the transformative role of Geographical Information System (GIS) mapping in the horticulture sector. He affirmed that the university is actively involved in mapping horticultural orchards across Telangana and envisions GIS as a vital tool to empower farmers and revolutionize agri-planning. The award was presented by Kiran Kumar, former Chairman of ISRO, who served as the Chief Guest at the function. The VC said that the recognition marks a milestone in SKLTGHU's efforts to bridge technology and agriculture through academic innovation and public outreach. Adding further pride to the university's accomplishments, Dr. K. Veeranjaneyulu, Consultant at SKLTGHU, was honored with the Excellence in Outreach Award for his unwavering dedication to the FOSSEE initiative and active role in expanding geospatial awareness among students and educators. The event was attended by key faculty members, including Dr. A. Bhagwan, Registrar, and other dignitaries. SKLTGHU also announced plans to organize a GIS Hackathon in the coming weeks to further strengthen student engagement and innovation in geospatial technology. This national recognition solidifies SKLTGHU's position as a pioneer in using open-source tools to transform education and agriculture through digital empowerment.
Hans India
27-06-2025
- Science
- Hans India
Workshop held at SKLTHU on free, open-source software on horticulture
Hyderabad: Sri Konda Laxman Telangana Horticultural University (SKLTHU) Vice Chancellor, Dr Danda Raji Reddy, said that it is time to explore IT and ICT Remote Sensing and GIS avenues in Horticulture for students. The Horticultural University is exploring opportunities for collaborative research and student-centric internships, particularly in the Open Source Geographical Information Systems (GIS) domain, the Vice Chancellor added. He said it at a workshop on free and open-source software for horticulture conducted for the students of Sri Konda Laxman Telangana Horticultural University (SKLTHU) in Rajendranagar on Thursday. This was followed by a Faculty Development Program focusing on advanced applications of free and open-source geospatial software for horticulture. Dr Mohamed Kasim Khan, National Coordinator - FOSSEE GIS (NMEICT (National Mission on Education through Information and Communication Technology), IIT Bombay, gave the keynote lecture with updates on the avenues available. He outlined action steps, the structure of internships for students, training opportunities for faculty, and collaboration between academia and industry. He emphasized the use of open-source software for horticultural research and resource mapping. The FOSSEE GIS project, IIT Bombay, is offering a unique remote internship activity for deserving students and thematic sessions for faculty, he added. Dr. Veeranjaneyulu, a University Consultant, gave an overview of ICT applications for education. He opined that better career opportunities are possible for graduates with a Horticulture base coupled with software-based ICTs for students. Dr. P. Prasanth, Associate Dean of the College of Horticulture, Rajendranagar, stated that facilities are provided for students in all frontier technologies. On this occasion, Dr Khan revealed that the jury has adjudged Sri Konda Laxman Telangana Horticultural University under the 'Aspiring University' category in the National Geospatial Awards, a ceremony scheduled for 17 July 2025. SKLTGHU shall also be onboarded as a knowledge partner in the upcoming National Geospatial Horticulture Hackathon. Dr. Pidigam Saidaiah, Associate Dean of the College of Horticulture, Mojerla, Dr. M. Srinivas, Ashwin, professors, and students participated in the workshop.
The Hindu
23-06-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
GI application filed for Balanagar Custard Apple
Balanagar Custard Apple, a custard apple variety that grows wild in three districts of Telangana, has been pitchforked for a Geographical Indications tag on Monday. A filing with the Geographical Indications Registry shows the application number 1569 filed on behalf of three farm-based organisations, including a farm produced company, an agriculture cooperative society, and horticulture university. 'We identified the uniqueness of the variety by analysing the micro and macro nutrients found in the custard apple that is grown in five mandals of Mahbubnagar, three mandals of Rangareddy and three mandals of Vikarabad. Because of the rocky terrain and weathering, the nutrient profile of the Balanagar custard apple is different,' said Saidaiah Pidigam of Sri Konda Laxman Telangana Horticultural University. The scientific documentation of the fruit's unique agro-morphological characteristics shows how its cultivation in a non-commercial manner in areas that are not irrigated marks it out. 'Irrigation and use of fertilizer makes the custard apple insipid. As the Balanagar variety grows in only rain-fed areas, its flavour profile is robust,' informed Saidaiah Pidigam. The application was filed by GI practitioner Subhajit Saha of Resolute4IP on behalf of Pomal Farmer Producer Company Limited, Balanagar Farmer Producer Company Limited, and The Primary Agricultural Cooperative Society, with funding support from NABARD (National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development). 'The GI tag is expected to provide legal protection, strengthen brand identity, and open premium domestic and international market access for the Balanagar Custard Apple,' informed Mr. Saha.
The Hindu
22-05-2025
- Climate
- The Hindu
Rain brings down sweetness of mangoes; farmers hope sun will shine on them
The intermittent rain and forecast for more in Telangana for the next few days is a cause for concern for mango farmers in Mahabubnagar, as the prominent varieties of the fruit cultivated in the State are harvested in the third and fourth week of May. Usually, water supply to the trees is stopped by May 1. But, when it rains in this month, the trees or plants absorb water leading to an increase in water content in fruits. This decreases the sweetness of mangoes, said A. Bhagwan, Registrar of Sri Konda Laxman Telangana Horticultural University. Harvest season for 3 varieties Dasheri mango is harvested by May first week. Himayat, Banganapalli and Kesar are harvested by month-end. Since this is the harvest season for mangoes, rains can impact a lot, say farmers. Fruit flies, which lay eggs on the fruits, and honey-hoppers are also a bigger problem, said Sudhakar Rao Kethireddypally, who has a mango farm in Kethireddypally of Balanagar mandal in Mahabubnagar. Traders cashing in Since rain is predicted in the State in the next few days, some farmers are thinking of harvesting them soon. When a lot of farmers do this, supply increases in the market and brings down the price. 'The moment I called a trader, he said a lot of farmers called him,' said Muralidhar Reddy, a farmer from Balanagar. Government should take steps to ensure we get the minimum price for the produce, he said. If a farmer chooses to harvest mangoes after rain, they have to be careful in checking when it ripens. A mango harvested when it is dry will last for eight days. And, when harvested after rain, they begin to rot after four to five days. So traders have to be cautious and plan the sale accordingly. Mr. Bhagwan said that since this is peak harvest season for Banganapalli variety, supply increases and brings down the prices. Some farmers harvest up to June 10 or later, hoping for better prices. Though there is a forecast of early onset of monsoon, Mr. Reddy hoped that rains would stop in the first week of June and there would be sunny days.
