Inaugural and valedictory ceremony of SERB sponsored High-end Workshops held at Faculty of Agriculture Wadura SKAUAST-Kashmir

GNSONLINE SOPORE

SHAKIR BHAT

SOPORE AUGUST 01:—Inaugural ceremony of ten days High-End Workshop on “Development of Novel Bio-formulations for Use in Sustainable Agro-ecosystems” and valedictory function of ten days workshops entitled “Climate resilient production system through field level weather modification technologies” and “Climate smart agriculture: sustainable crop production strategy” were held at Faculty of Agriculture Wadura, SKUAST-Kashmir. The Division of Basic Science & Humanities, and Division of Agronomy, Faculty of Agriculture lead the workshops respectively, and were sponsored by GoI’s SERB-DST under its Accelerate Vigyan (AV) Scheme. The aim of Accelerate Vigyan is to expand the research base in the country, with three broad goals-consolidation /aggregation of all scientific training programs, initiating High-end Orientation Workshops and creating opportunities for training and skill internship. In each Workshop, 25 Post-graduate scholars from various faculties of SKUAST-Kashmir & other State Agricultural Universities will be participating / participated and will get a chance to interact with the experts of repute from regional as well as national institutions. The objectives of these kind of workshops is to update participants about changing climatic scenario and mitigation strategies for a sustainable tomorrow. Besides, participants will get sensitized with latest advances in the development of various effective bio-formulations for use in safe agricultural practices, application of bio-formulations for safe nutrient and disease management in sustainable agricultural production systems with due consideration of economic and environmental factors. Vice Chancellor, SKUAST-K, Prof. Nazir Ahmad Ganai, was the Chief Guest of the inaugural session of the workshop. In addition to participants, the inaugural session was attended by Heads of Divisions & faculty members of FoA.

Prof. Nazir Ahmad Ganai, Hon’ble Vice Chancellor in his address stated that, in recent years, there has been a growing interest among consumers and the scientific community in the search for innovative and eco-sustainable strategies to increase agricultural production, to meet food needs and reduce environmental impact. Among the possible solutions there is the use of plant bio stimulants, agricultural products that include beneficial microorganisms and natural substances able to stimulate plant vigor, growth and yield, even in sub-optimal conditions. These exemplify a valid alternative to chemical products that do not threaten biodiversity, able to reduce harmful effects to human health and the environment by decreasing the use of synthetic fertilizers and toxic pesticides. He impressed upon the students to upgrade their skills and develop creative and innovative ideas with the aim to become industry ready, establish their own entrepreneurial ventures to become job providers rather than job seekers. Besides, Prof. Ganai informed the gathering about the various initiatives taken by University regarding the National Education Policy that stand acclaimed at the national level.
Dean Faculty of Agriculture Prof. Raihana H. Kanth, enlightened the participants with the importance of latest techniques on preparations of various types of quality bio-formulations and their application in the sustainable agro-ecosystems. She emphasized that increasing attention should be given to the development of innovative formulations to substitute the use of synthetic chemicals to improve agricultural production and resource use efficiency. Earlier, Course Director of the workshop Dr. Asif Malik, formally welcomed the guests and gave a brief overview of the workshop. He stated that after completing the workshop, the students would get sufficient practical knowledge about preparation and manufacture of the bio-formulations. The proceedings of the inaugural function were presented by Ms. Syed Hujjat ul Baligah. The inaugural function ended with the vote of thanks proposed by Dr. Zaffar Mahdi Dar, Course Coordinator of the workshop.