The Department of Agriculture Technology at SHMM, GDC, Anantnag, was established as a skill-based subject under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and has been recently incorporated into the Jammu & Kashmir Higher Education Department. The department aims to equip students with practical, industry-relevant skills in modern agricultural practices, with a strong emphasis on entrepreneurship and sustainable production systems. Currently headed by a single faculty member who joined the Higher Education Department as Assistant Professor in 2024, the department offers the skill course Commercial Mushroom Cultivation. Two batches are presently enrolled: Batch 2025 with around 180 students and Batch 2026 with around 130 students. To strengthen hands-on learning, the department has established a dedicated Mushroom Cultivation Laboratory where button mushrooms are actively cultivated for student practicals. Raw materials and technical support are sourced from institutions such as the Integrated Mushroom Development Centre (IMDC), Lalmandi, Srinagar. The department is committed to providing quality skill education that bridges theoretical knowledge with real-world agricultural applications, preparing students for self-employment and contributions to the local agro-economy.

The Department of Agriculture Technology holds significant relevance in the present educational and economic landscape of Jammu & Kashmir. Introduced as a skill-based subject under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, it addresses the growing need for practical, employment-oriented education that bridges the gap between classroom learning and real-world agricultural applications. Commercial Mushroom Cultivation, the core course offered by the department, is particularly important due to its high potential for income generation, low space requirement and suitability for the climatic conditions of the region. It equips students with hands-on skills that promote entrepreneurship, self-employment and value addition in the agricultural sector. By training youth in modern cultivation techniques and laboratory practices, the department contributes to sustainable livelihood opportunities, reduction of unemployment, and the overall strengthening of the local agro-economy.

The Department of Agriculture Technology is equipped with a dedicated Mushroom Cultivation Laboratory to facilitate hands-on practical training for students. The laboratory supports the commercial cultivation of button mushrooms, enabling learners to gain direct experience in spawning, substrate management, cropping, harvesting and post-harvest handling. Essential raw materials and technical inputs for laboratory activities are sourced from reputed institutions such as the Integrated Mushroom Development Centre (IMDC), Lalmandi, Srinagar. The department continues to strengthen its practical infrastructure to ensure effective skill-based learning in accordance with the requirements of the Commercial Mushroom Cultivation course under NEP 2020.

To provide quality skill-based education in Agriculture Technology under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, with emphasis on practical training, entrepreneurial skill development, and sustainable agricultural practices, thereby preparing students for self-employment and meaningful contribution to the agro-economy.

Agriculture Technology, as a skill-based subject under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, holds broad and promising scope in higher education. It aims to equip students with practical knowledge and technical competencies essential for modern agricultural practices, sustainable farming and agri-entrepreneurship. The subject opens diverse career pathways, including self-employment through agri-based enterprises, opportunities in government and private agricultural organisations, roles in rural development programmes, and engagement with skill development initiatives. Students gain exposure to contemporary techniques in crop production, value addition, resource management and emerging agri-technologies that address the evolving needs of the agricultural sector. By integrating theoretical learning with hands-on training, Agriculture Technology prepares youth to contribute meaningfully to food security, rural economy and sustainable development. It also provides a strong foundation for higher studies, specialised skill courses and innovative ventures in the agri-sector, aligning education with the demands of employability and national agricultural growth.

1. Successfully trained the first batch of 180 students (Batch 2025) who have completed the required three-semester skill course under NEP 2020 and are appearing in their 3rd semester examination in December, 2026. 
2. Many students from the 2025 batch have already begun cultivating mushrooms at their homes, applying the knowledge and practical skills acquired through the department. 
3. Presented a stall showcasing the department’s Mushroom Cultivation Laboratory during the Platinum Jubilee celebrations of the college held in November, 2025. 
4. Organised an educational tour for the 2025 and 2026 batch students to IMDC, Lalmandi, Srinagar, providing valuable exposure to hi-tech mushroom production facilities, compost preparation and spawn production techniques.
5. Received appreciation from IMDC, Lalmandi, Srinagar, for the successful cultivation of button mushrooms in the department’s laboratory.