A warm welcome to Sri Konda Laxman Telangana State Horticultural University a dedicated and splendid institute of Horticulture learning. In view of the importance of horticulture in the state, the Government of Telangana through G.O. Ms. No. 31 & 32, Dt: 22-12-2014, Department of Agriculture and Cooperation (H & S), established Sri Konda Laxman Telangana State Horticultural University (SKLTSHU) comprising two colleges of Horticulture, two diploma colleges, eleven Research Stations and one Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) spread across three Agro-Climatic zones of Telangana State with a mandate to undertake quality teaching, research and extension. The university has granted affiliation to Forest College and Research Institute (FCRI) and Diploma Colleges.

It is the sole Horticultural University in the state and fourth in the country. In the recent era, horticulture is not merely a means of diversification but forms an integral part of food and nutritionalsecurity and is also an essential element of economic security. I am delighted to mention that our university is taking the initiative to reach the targeted goal of doubling farmer’s income by engaging in technology-driven, farmer-centric and crop-specific education and research related to improvement, production and post-harvest management in horticultural crops.

The university plays a decisive role in crop diversification by introducing a wide spectrum of horticultural crops (Fruits, Vegetables, Flowers, Tuber crops, Medicinal, Aromatic and Plantation Crops). Since Horticulture, Biodiversity and Nutrition form the trilogy leading to sustainable diets for current and future generations, the university will play a pivotal role in exploring and recognizing the existing biodiversity in horticultural crop varieties of Telangana State and their nutritional composition. The university is committed to develop organic farming modules in horticultural crops with sustainable production. I am also happy that our university has adopted ICAR Vth Deans Committee Syllabus and BSMA regulations for imparting quality education and strengthening the academic standards.

With an aim to create Environmental and Economically Sustainable Horticultural Production Systems with the support of proactive policies of Govt. of Telangana, our university is operating with an extensive network of public and private partnership in an integrated approach. To step up as a premier institution in Academics, Research & Development and Extension management in the fields of Horticultural Science, adoption of National Education Policy-2020, advanced training in research methodologies and instrumentation for developing Hi-Tech, Smart/Digital Horticulture, biotechnology and genetic engineering, weather-based pest and disease forewarning models, post-harvest technology and product development, Decision Support System etc., need immediate attention.

I am immensely pleased to announce the launch of the updated version of our university website on the 107th Birth Anniversary of Sri Konda Laxman Bapuji. On this occasion I would like to cordially extend my best wishes to all the staff and students of the university who are striving hard to make a mark in the field of horticulture.