SKUAST-K and IIT Ropar Hold Two Day Event

The Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K) recently hosted a two-day event in collaboration with IIT Ropar, aimed at promoting startups and driving technological innovations in agriculture in the Jammu and Kashmir Union Territory.

This event, titled 'Igniting Deep Tech Revolution in Agriculture and Allied Sciences,' was organized by SKUAST-K's Division of Veterinary Biochemistry and the incubation hub (AWaDH) of IIT Ropar.

On the first day of the event, an interaction session and networking dinner were held at SKICC Srinagar. Distinguished participants included Vice Chancellor Prof Nazir Ahmad Ganai of SKUAST-K, Prof Akbar Masood from Baba Ghulam Shah Badshah University, Prof Parkishit Singh Manhas, Chairman of the J&K Board of School Education, Prof M Afzal Zargar, Registrar of the Central University of Kashmir, delegates from IIT Ropar-AWaDH led by Dr Radhika Trikha, Dr Ashraf Ganie, a Professor of Endocrinology at SKIMS in Srinagar, Nasir Shah, Additional Director of the Science and Technology Department of J&K Government, Prof Haroon R Naik, Director of PPMO, and faculty members from SKUAST-K.

During this gathering, a distinguished former Head of the Division of Veterinary Biochemistry at FVSc was honoured with a lifetime achievement award for his significant contributions to research and development in his field.

The second day of the event featured a roundtable discussion focusing on the pivotal role of innovation and entrepreneurship in addressing challenges within the agriculture sector in Jammu and Kashmir. The session was presided over by VC Prof Nazir Ahmad Ganai from SKUAST-K, with Prof Afzal Zargar, Registrar of the Central University of Kashmir, serving as the moderator.

Prof Ganai highlighted SKUAST-K's prominent role in promoting innovation among young minds, positioning the university as a leader in agricultural education in the country. He emphasized the university's commitment to becoming the first innovation-led agricultural university, aligning with the mandates of the National Education Policy 2020.

Prof Parkishit Singh Manhas, Chairman of JKBOSE and also the Director of the State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT), praised the initiative by SKUAST-K and expressed interest in replicating a similar model at the school level.

In summary, the two-day event jointly hosted by SKUAST-K and IIT Ropar sought to foster innovation, entrepreneurship, and technological advancements in agriculture, ultimately contributing to the growth and development of the agriculture sector in the Jammu and Kashmir Union Territory.