National Symposium on Multi-disciplinary approach for plant protection commences at SKUAST-K

Shalimar, Aug 28: The Division of Plant Pathology, Faculty of Agriculture, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K), in collaboration with the Society of Plant Protection Sciences, New Delhi, and the Association of Plant Pathologists, Department of Plant Pathology, Dr. PDKV, Akola, Maharashtra, organized a three-day National Symposium on “Multidisciplinary Perspectives for Pest and Disease Management in Sustainable Crop Production” from 28-30 August 2024.
The event, sponsored by Dhanuka Agritech Limited, Godrej Agrovet, Mahindra Summit, Bharat Certis, Agrisense, JU Agri Sciences, and Era’s Lucknow Medical College and Hospital, is aimed to bring together experts from various disciplines of plant protection to foster sustainable practices in managing pests and diseases in both agricultural and horticultural crops. Prof. Nazir Ahmad Ganai, Vice Chancellor SKUAST-K was the Chief Guest.
Other Esteemed dignitaries comprised of Prof. Dil M. Makhdoomi, Director Extension and Education SKUAST-K, Dr. Raihana Habib Kanth, Dean, Faculty of Agriculture, SKUAST-K, Dr. R. M. Gade, Secretary of the Association of Plant Pathologists and Director at PDKV, Akola; Dr. Dinesh Singh, Principal Secretary and Head of the Division of Crop Protection, ICAR-IISR, Lucknow; Dr. Ajeet Tomar, President of Dhanuka Agritech Limited and Prof. Arshad Mughal, Associate Director of Research at SKUAST-K, provided valuable insights and remarks.
All the speakers on the occasion recognized the efforts of Dr. Ali Anwar, Head of the Division of Plant Pathology as driving force behind organizing this event, and prayed for his speedy recovery from the injuries sustained during tragic road accident two days ago.
Prof. N. A. Ganai, Vice Chancellor, SKUAST-K, stressed upon the need of integrating artificial intelligence, Data Sciences and other new age sciences to supplement the multidisciplinary approach towards insect pest and disease management. He further said that SKUAST-K has already put in place necessary wire-withal for integrating new age technologies with Agriculture particularly with respect to plant protection.
The event featured the release of a book, manual and a souvenir that was highly appreciated by Vice Chancellor.
Dr. T. A Wani, Prof. plant pathology welcomed the dignitaries and Dr. Asha Nabi, Assistant Professor plant pathology proposed the vote of thanks.