VC SKUAST-K for data science, digital agriculture

Srinagar, March 21: Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir held a 21-day training programme on Remote Sensing and GIS at the Shalimar campus with an aim to provide participants with a comprehensive understanding of the latest advancements and field applications of the technologies in agriculture and natural resource management.
The training was organised by the SKUAST-K’s Division of Soil Science, Faculty of Horticulture at the newly established state-of-the-art Remote Sensing and GIS Lab, in which world-renowned experts in the field delivered lectures and interacted with the participants. The international experts included Prof Atul Jan, University of Illinois, USA; Dr Prakash Jha, Kansas State University, USA; Dr Sugandh Chauhan, Space4Good, Netherlands; and Dr Anurag Kulshrestha, ITC, University of Twente, Netherlands. The national experts were RK Setia, PRSC, RN Sahoo, IARI, and Dr Suresh Kumar, IIRS. Besides SKUAST-K, scholars and students from various national institutes participated in the training, making it diverse and enriching for all. Students were given hands-on training on various tools and techniques used in Remote Sensing and GIS, which helped them to develop practical skills in the respective domain.
Vice-Chancellor, SKUAST-K, Prof Nazir Ahmad Ganai, who was the chief guest at the valedictory function, emphasised the significance of digital agriculture and the importance of data science in modern-day agriculture. The students expressed their satisfaction with the program and praised the course coordinator for his dedication and commitment to providing a high-quality training program. The programme coordinator also discussed the prospects of the training program and highlighted the need for collaboration with other national and international institutes for both academic and research programs. He emphasized the role of Remote Sensing and GIS in addressing some of the most pressing challenges faced by modern agriculture, such as crop monitoring, yield prediction, and soil health assessment.
Shahid Shuja Shafai moderated the programme and Dr Shayista Nazir presented a vote of thanks. The successful completion of the training program is a significant achievement for the Division of Soil Science, SKUAST-Kashmir, and reflects its commitment to promoting excellence in education and research. The programme has equipped the participants with the necessary skills and knowledge to leverage the power of Remote Sensing and GIS for sustainable agriculture and natural resource management.