Empowering Young Researchers: CSKHPKV and Delhi University Hold Hands-On R Programming Workshop
In a step towards strengthening data-driven agricultural research, Chaudhary Sarwan Kumar Himachal Pradesh Krishi Vishvavidyalaya (CSKHPKV), Palampur, in collaboration with the University of Delhi, organized a two-day workshop on “R Programming for Agricultural Sciences” from July 3 to 4, 2026. The programme was conducted under the Partnerships for Accelerated Innovation and Research (PAIR) initiative supported by the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF).
The workshop aimed to equip students, researchers, and faculty members with practical skills in statistical analysis and data interpretation using R, one of the world’s most widely used open-source programming tools for scientific research.
The inaugural session featured Prof. Raj Kishore Sharma from the University of Delhi, who also serves as the Project Coordinator of the ANRF-PAIR programme. Addressing participants, he highlighted the growing role of data science, artificial intelligence, and statistical programming in modern agriculture. He emphasized that tools like R are becoming increasingly important for analysing complex research data and developing science-based solutions for sustainable farming.
Speaking on the occasion, Prof. Desh Raj Chaudhary, Director of Research at CSKHPKV, stressed the importance of organizing more student-focused academic programmes in agriculture and allied disciplines. He noted that such workshops help young researchers stay updated with emerging technologies while strengthening their practical research skills.
Prof. Rajan Katoch, Dean of the College of Basic Sciences at CSKHPKV, spoke about the transformative potential of Artificial Intelligence in agriculture. He encouraged students to familiarize themselves with AI-driven tools and technologies that are rapidly reshaping the agricultural sector.
The workshop attracted over 65 participants, including students, researchers, and faculty members. Throughout the two-day programme, attendees received hands-on training in statistical analysis, data visualization, and agricultural data management using R programming. The practical sessions helped participants understand how computational tools can improve research quality and decision-making in agriculture.
The event was coordinated by Dr. Abhishek Walia and Dr. Radhika Sharma of CSKHPKV. Technical sessions were led by experts from the University of Delhi, including Dr. Shailender Kumar Verma, Mr. Anand Kumar Bharti, and Mr. Rajat Bhatt, who demonstrated real-world applications of R programming in agricultural research and guided participants through various analytical techniques.
Organizers expressed satisfaction with the enthusiastic response to the workshop and said the initiative would help enhance the research capabilities of young scientists while promoting digital and analytical competencies. They also noted that the programme further strengthens the growing academic and research collaboration between CSKHPKV Palampur and the University of Delhi under the prestigious ANRF-PAIR initiative, paving the way for more such knowledge-sharing opportunities in the future.
