Poultry Production National Conference Commences at SKUAST-K

The Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir recently commenced a three-day national conference titled 'Innovative Poultry Production Strategies for Nutritional, Socio-Economic, and Environmental Security.'

This conference marks the 38th gathering of the Indian Poultry Science Association (IPSACON). The event, organized by the university's Division of Livestock Production and Management in collaboration with the Indian Poultry Science Association (IPSA), Izatnagar, received support from the World Bank-ICAR funded National Agricultural Higher Education Project (NAHEP) aimed at SKUAS-K's institutional development.

The conference aimed to delve into various aspects of poultry production, including genetics, nutrition, physiology, health and biosecurity, product technology, value addition, and waste management strategies.

Dr Vinod Bhatt, the General Secretary of the Veterinary Council of India (VCI) and Joint Commissioner at the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Government of India, served as the chief guest during the opening ceremony.

Dr Bhatt emphasized the pivotal role of the poultry sector in the socio-economic growth of the nation. He also highlighted VCI's commitment to bolstering poultry-related academics nationwide and shared plans to establish a dedicated Department of Poultry Sciences within Veterinary Colleges across the country. Dr Bhatt further mentioned the possibility of granting significant funds to veterinary institutions to enhance their performance.

D AS Ranade, President of IPSA, stressed the importance of fostering strong ties between academia and the industry to meet the surging demand for poultry products in India, particularly among non-vegetarian consumers.

Dr JS Tyagi, General Secretary of IPSA, presented an overview of the association's activities and accomplishments and outlined its future plans.

Dr Tariq H Masoodi, Director of Research at SKUAST-K, highlighted the university's achievements and initiatives aimed at establishing SKUAST-K as a leading institution in the agri-allied sector.

Dr Mohammad Tufail Banday, Dean of the Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, who also served as the organizing Secretary of the conference, discussed the faculty's recent achievements, particularly in the field of animal sciences, including poultry.

The vote of thanks was delivered by Prof. Azmat Alam Khan, OSD to the Vice Chancellor.

During the opening session, the Conference Abstract and two books, "Poultry Production: Current Insights" and "Recent Advances in Poultry Nutrition," published by the host division, were released.

Additionally, the conference featured the presentation of annual association awards, including the Life-Time Achievement Award, IPSA Fellow Awards, and other publication awards, which were a highlight of the event.