Kishtwar July 24: Sher-e Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K) on Monday organized a workshop on Chilgoza Conservation in Kishtwar. The workshop, conducted by the university’s Faculty of Forestry, aimed to raise awareness about the conservation and propagation of the rare and endangered Chilgoza pine (Pinus gerardiana Wall). The event took place in Gulabgad, Kundal, and Kijayi areas of the Paddar Valley in Kishtwar. Under the project titled Ecological Niche modeling and ex-situ conservation of rare and endangered Chilgoza pine in the Indian Western Himalayas, sponsored by JKST IC, the conducted workshop gathered experts, researchers, and locals to discuss the significance of Chilgoza conservation. Dr. Nazir A.
Pala, Assistant Professor of Silviculture and Agroforestry and Co-PI of the project, served as the moderator for the event. The chief guest for the occasion was Prof. S.A Gangoo, Dean of the Faculty of Forestry at SKUAST-K. In his address, Prof. Gangoo emphasized the various benefits of Chilgoza and stressed the importance of its conservation. He highlighted the need to protect these rare and endangered trees for their ecological value and economic benefits. Dr. A.R Malik, Assistant Professor Forest Products and Utilization and the Principal Investigator of the project, delivered a speech that shed light on the significance of Chilgoza trees and the urgent need to conserve them.
He shared valuable insights with the locals, educating them about propagation techniques and methods for the conservation of Chilgoza trees. Dr. Maliks informative session aimed to create awareness among the participants and empower them to actively contribute to the preservation of this valuable species. The workshop also provided a platform for the locals to interact with experts and researchers, fostering a collaborative environment. Attendees were encouraged to share their experiences, observations, and concerns regarding Chilgozaconservation.
The interactive sessions allowed for the exchange of knowledge and ideas, promoting a better understanding of the challenges faced and potential solutions for the conservation of Chilgoza. Dr. Tahir Mushtaq, Assistant Professor of Forest Products and Utilization at the Faculty of Forestry, SKUAST-K, expressed gratitude in his vote of thanks. He
thanked all the participants, experts, and organizers for their valuable contributions to the workshop. Dr. Mushtaq emphasized the importance of collective efforts in safeguarding the Chilgoza pine, underscoring that conservation initiatives require the active involvement of all stakeholders.
