Translate research to field for maximum farmer impact: LG to SKUAST-K

Jammu, Jan 28: In a pivotal gathering, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha presided over the 34th University Council Meeting of Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (SKUAST) Kashmir at Raj Bhawan today.
The meeting, among others present included Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo,; Santosh D Vaidya, Principal Secretary, Finance Department; Dr Ashok Dalwai, former CEO NRAA; Prof. RC Agrawal, Deputy Director General, ICAR; Dr Mandeep Kumar Bhandari, Principal Secretary to Lt Governor; Prof. Nazir A. Ganai, Vice Chancellor SKUAST Kashmir; Dr. B.N Tripathi, Vice Chancellor SKUAST Jammu; Sh Mohd Aijaz, Secretary, Planning, Development & Monitoring Department, and other senior officers.
Commending SKUAST-Kashmir’s significant role in the extraordinary growth journey of the Agriculture & Allied sector in the Jammu & Kashmir Union Territory, Lt Governor Sinha highlighted the institution’s innovation-led initiatives. He emphasised their vital contribution to a knowledge-based, technology-driven, and sustainable agri-economy.
The meeting delved into a comprehensive discussion on the future roadmap, focusing on developing SKUAST-Kashmir as the leading institution for agricultural education, innovations, entrepreneurship, leadership, and research. The goal is to establish SKUAST as a hub for several centers of excellence in the agriculture & allied sector.
Lt Governor Sinha underscored the importance of translating research and innovation from the lab to the field to enhance farmers’ productivity. He directed the implementation of short skill training courses for students and a detailed study on yield gaps. Reforms to promote start-ups and entrepreneurship, exploration of new frontier areas for smart and intelligent farming practices, and aligning the University’s goals with national goals and priorities were among the topics discussed.
The Council granted in-principle approvals to various agenda points, including the establishment of the Centre of Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning in Agriculture (CAIML), SKUAST-K Innovation, Incubation, and Entrepreneurship (SKIIE) Centre, and the creation of the Division of Agro-Meteorology at FOH, Shalimar.
Prof. Nazir A. Ganai, Vice Chancellor SKUAST Kashmir, presented the Progress Report of the University during the meeting. Additionally, the latest edition of Agri Rise, an Agricultural Education Digest focusing on Agri-entrepreneurship, was released on the occasion.