Onlykashmir.in News Desk
Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-Kashmir) on Wednesday inaugurated a three-day training programme on field-oriented animal disease diagnostic techniques at its Directorate of Extension in Shalimar, Srinagar.
Organised jointly by the Directorate of Extension and the Directorate of SAMETI, the programme is being attended by 30 Veterinary Assistant Surgeons from the Animal Husbandry and Sheep Husbandry departments of Jammu and Kashmir.
Vice Chancellor Prof. Nazir Ahmad Ganai inaugurated the programme as chief guest in the presence of Director Extension Prof. Raihana Habib Kanth, scientists, faculty members, resource persons and the participating veterinary officers.
Addressing the participants, Prof. Ganai stressed the importance of strengthening field-level diagnostic services through practical training, continuous professional development and the adoption of modern diagnostic technologies. He highlighted the role of early and accurate diagnosis in preventing outbreaks, minimising economic losses for livestock farmers and improving animal health and productivity. He also called for stronger collaboration between the university and line departments so that scientific advances translate into practical solutions for livestock and sheep farmers.
Prof. Kanth underscored the significance of capacity-building programmes in bridging the gap between scientific research and field-level veterinary practice. She said better diagnostic capabilities among veterinary professionals were essential for early detection, timely intervention and effective animal health care. She reaffirmed the commitment of the Directorate of Extension and SAMETI to organising need-based, skill-oriented training programmes to address emerging challenges in animal health and disease management.
The training covers clinical examination, collection and handling of diagnostic samples, laboratory-based diagnostic techniques, disease surveillance and interpretation of diagnostic findings. Technical sessions, interactive discussions and hands-on demonstrations by subject experts will give participants practical exposure to modern veterinary diagnostic methods.
The programme is coordinated by SKUAST-Kashmir scientist Dr Riyaz Ahmad and aims to strengthen institutional linkages between the university and the two departments for improved veterinary diagnostic services across Jammu and Kashmir. Scientists, faculty members, officers and staff of both directorates attended the inaugural session. The training will conclude on November 6.
Livestock and sheep rearing are central to rural livelihoods in Jammu and Kashmir, and the health of animals directly affects household income, milk and meat supply and the wool economy. Veterinary officers are usually the first point of contact for farmers when disease strikes, so their ability to reach a quick and accurate diagnosis in the field can determine whether an infection stays contained or spreads across a village or a migratory flock.
Practical training of this kind helps close the gap between laboratory research and what happens at the farm gate. By focusing on sample collection, handling and interpretation of findings, the programme addresses everyday challenges that officers face, and the university hopes that the skills gained will be applied across the districts where participants are posted.
