The Division of Agricultural Economics and Statistics, Faculty of Agriculture, Wadura, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K), celebrated National Statistics Day 2026 here.
The event was organised with a focus on the growing importance of administrative data in governance, research and sustainable development.
The event, held under the guidance of Dean Faculty of Agriculture Wadura, Prof. Shakeel A. Mir, marked the birth anniversary of eminent statistician Prof. Prasanta Chandra Mahalanobis and highlighted his contribution to the field of statistics.
The programme was attended by Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) Sopore, Shabir Ahmad Raina, as the chief guest, while Commandant CRPF Battalion Wadura, Mr Ravi Mishra, was the guest of honour.
Head of the Division of Agricultural Economics and Statistics, Prof. Showkat Maqbool, who coordinated the programme, welcomed the guests and participants. He underlined the significance of statistics in agricultural planning, evidence-based decision-making and improving public service delivery.
Prof. Mir appreciated the efforts of the division, stating that such programmes help students understand the expanding role of statistics, data science and analytics in agriculture and policy formulation.
Assistant Professor Dr Fehim Jeelani Wani delivered a lecture on “Mahalanobis’ Vision to the Era of Administrative Data,” explaining the evolution of statistical systems from traditional surveys to modern digital data-driven frameworks. Addressing the gathering, ADC Sopore Shabir Ahmad Raina stressed that administrative data has become a vital tool for effective planning, monitoring and evaluation of developmental programmes. The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Prof. Sajad A. Saraf, with participation from faculty members, researchers and students of various divisions.
