Onlykashmir.in News Desk
Srinagar, Dec 16: Sher e Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir concluded its two day 68th Research Council Meeting for Rabi 2025 26 at the Shalimar Campus, with dry weather and climate change emerging as key concerns.
Vice Chancellor SKUAST K Prof Nazir Ahmad Ganai, the chief guest, stressed the urgent need for a strategic and action oriented approach to strengthen agricultural sustainability and resilience in view of increasing climate variability and water scarcity. He also appreciated the scientists for their contributions that helped the university secure the third best State Agricultural University ranking, adding that close coordination with line departments and the administration played a vital role in the institution’s growth.
Director Research Prof Haroon Rashid Naik presented the university’s research achievements and the action taken report of the previous meeting, underlining the importance of new technologies and collaborative approaches to tackle food safety, pesticide misuse and climate change.
Joining the meeting online, Secretary Science and Technology Department Dr Shahid Iqbal Choudhary highlighted research priorities for Jammu and Kashmir and called for project proposals focusing on food safety monitoring systems, AI powered research data banks and reduced pesticide use.
Scientists presented policy papers covering initiatives such as the SKUAST K Data Research Bank, herbal technology, residue and quality analysis, bio inputs for regenerative agriculture, micro irrigation, reproductive biotechnology, protected cultivation, fruit tree breeding and tissue culture. Heads of faculties and research stations also shared achievements and future plans.
Discussions focused on developing drought resistant crops, improving water conservation, and reviewing progress of government programmes like HADP and JKCIP. Feedback from progressive farmers, development department heads and experts from allied institutions was also taken. On the occasion, nine publications by university scientists were released.
