Prof. D. Raji Reddy
Vice Chancellor
Sri Konda Laxman Telangana Horticultural University (SKLTGHU) was established on 23.12.2014 (Andhra Pradesh Reorganization Act No. 6 of 2014 and G.O. Ms. No. 31 &32) by carving out the Colleges, Research Stations and KVK located within the territorial boundaries of Telangana State from the erstwhile Dr. Y.S.R. Horticultural University. It is my privilege to be a part of this esteemed university and with great commitment that I assumed the position of Vice Chancellor of Sri Konda Laxman Telangana Horticultural University (SKLTGHU)—the only horticultural university in Telangana—in October 2024.
Our vision, in line with the mandate of education, research, and extension, is to attain academic excellence by imparting quality education aimed at developing professionally competent human resources with entrepreneurial skills. We strive to move forward by strengthening research and extension services to empower farmers and other stakeholders.
The university so far conferred 1,389 degrees to undergraduate and postgraduate students. It is heartening to share that 26 of our students secured admission into prestigious national institutions for higher education, while 48 students have been admitted into master’s programs in the USA, UK, Thailand, and Germany. The University is equipped with smart classrooms to promote blended learning and quality education. The university has good placements history with 982 students securing positions across various sectors, including government departments, national institutes, and the banking industry in addition to entreprenures .
On the research front, SKLTGHU is engaged in need-based, location-specific, and strategic research in horticultural crops, focusing on areas such as nutritional security, productivity enhancement, cost reduction, sustainable practices, and improving the livelihoods of the farming community. Notably, the University has successfully secured Geographical Indication (GI) status for Warangal Chapata Chillies, renowned for their use in color and oleoresin extraction. We have also initiated the GI registration process for Balanagar Custard Apple and Armoor Turmeric.
Our front line extension services are instrumental in bridging the gap between research and practice. The short-term certification training programs in vital areas such as kitchen gardening, landscape maintenance, dry flower technology, fruit nursery establishment, and oil palm orchard management helped farmers and rural youth to empower with practical skills.
The university is striving hard to improve the infrastructural facilities, faculty development, linkages with government bodies, reputed national and international institutes and industry partners to enhance academic excellence, research outcomes
I am sure that the collective efforts of our dedicated faculty, researchers, staff, students, and stakeholders will propel the University to greater heights, both nationally and internationally. We are committed to modernizing curricula, developing improved varieties and technologies, and delivering impactful solutions to meet the contemporary challenges faced by the farming community.
With our continued dedication, I am confident that we can shape a sustainable, inclusive, and prosperous horticultural future for Telangana and beyond.