National symposium on Exploring Veterinary Pathology and Diagnostic Innovations begins at SKUAST-Jammu
A three- day 41st Annual Conference of the Indian Association of Veterinary Pathologists (IAVP), 15th Annual Meeting of the Indian College of Veterinary Pathologists (ICVP) and National Symposium on “Exploring Veterinary Pathology and Diagnostic Innovations in Animal and Poultry Disease Amidst Climatic Challenges” began today at SKUAST-Jammu.
The conference is being organized by the Division of Veterinary Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences and Animal Husbandry, SKUAST-Jammu, Indian Association of Veterinary Pathologists and Indian College of Veterinary Pathologists.
Dr Sanjay Kumar, Chairman, ASRB, New Delhi, was the chief guest in the inaugural function while Dr Naveen Kumar, Director, ICMR- National Institute of Virology, Pune, was the guest of honour. Prof B N Tripathi, Vice-Chancellor, SKUAST-Jammu, presided over the event.
Dr Sanjay Kumar highlighted the critical intersection of veterinary pathology and climate science in addressing the challenges faced by the livestock and poultry sectors. He also suggested for new courses like Veterinary engineering and Veterinary ecology in changing scenario.
Prof B N Tripathi, in his presidential address, emphasized the vital role of veterinary pathology in safeguarding animal health and ensuring the sustainability of livestock production in an era marked by climate change. He also talked about One-Health concept in mitigating the zoonotic diseases.
Dr Naveen Kumar informed that four Zonal centres of National Institute of Virology (NIV) will be established very soon. He encouraged the delegates to think beyond traditional boundaries.
Dr S K Gupta, Director Research, SKUAST-Jammu elaborated the research achievements of SKUAST-Jammu.
Dr G A Balasubramaniam, Secretary General, IAVP, and Dr R V S Pawaiya, Secretary, ICVP, presented reports on the activities and achievements of their respective organizations.
Earlier, Dr Rajesh Katoch, Dean, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences and Animal Husbandry, SKUAST-J, and Co-Chairman of VPC-2024 provided a brief overview of the conference.
During the inaugural session, conference Compendium and books were released by the guests and awards were presented to recognize outstanding contributions in the field of veterinary pathology. Proceedings of the inaugural program were conducted by Dr Ankur Sharma while vote of thanks was presented by Dr Pankaj Goswami.
Chief Minister for focus on agri varsities to tackle climate change, boost J&K’s economy
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today emphasized the critical role of agriculture in addressing climate change and improving the economy of Jammu and Kashmir.Jammu local businesses
He was speaking at the inauguration of the four-day National Agriculture Summit & Farmers’ Fair-2024 at Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (SKUAST), Jammu.
Highlighting the exigency of climate change, the Chief Minister said, “Climate change is a huge challenge, and the responsibility lies on SKUAST (Kashmir and Jammu) to address it and assist our farmers. We can no longer depend solely on rain and snowfall, as climate patterns have drastically shifted. For instance, in our childhood, snowfall would arrive in December; now, it comes in February. Our average temperatures are also rising. To adapt, we need to promote modern agricultural practices, introduce new techniques and technologies, and raise awareness among farmers.”
He lauded the progress made by SKUAST-Jammu in recent years, saying, “I felt elated on visiting SKUAST-Jammu. Since my last visit, the university has made remarkable progress, for which I congratulate the Vice-Chancellor and his entire team.”
The Chief Minister expressed concern over the neglect of agriculture in discussions about J&K’s development.
“In Jammu and Kashmir, we find farmers in every corner, yet when we discuss progress, we focus on factories, tourism, and facilities for pilgrims at religious places. Sadly, the contribution of farmers and the agriculture and allied sectors often goes unnoticed,” he said.
He stressed the economic potential of agriculture and allied sectors, stating, “I firmly believe that focusing on these sectors can significantly transform J&K’s economy. We rely heavily on imports for many necessities, such as dairy products, meat, and oilseeds. Our efforts should aim to produce these locally through import substitution. If we achieve surplus production, we can sell it outside, leading to a positive shift in J&K’s economy.”
Omar Abdullah called for efforts to restore farming as a viable and respected livelihood for future generations.
“Our farmers must feel confident that their hard work on the land will generate income. However, it is disheartening that the younger generation is distancing itself from agriculture. Productive agricultural land is increasingly being used for non-agricultural purposes because our children hesitate to connect with agriculture and allied sectors. This mindset needs to change,” he lamented.
Speaking about Jammu’s agricultural potential, he said, “multiple-farming, cultivating staple crops, and utilizing land for high-value products hold immense potential. Jammu is already renowned for its RS Pura Basmati, Rajma and Gucchi mushrooms from Kishtwar. Products like olives and exotic fruits, which were unheard of just a few years ago, are now becoming common in our homes. There is no scarcity of potential here.”
He further emphasized the importance of undertaking research and ensuring that its benefits reach every corner of J&K.
“The practical implementation of research is crucial, and the responsibility lies in ensuring that its benefits reach every corner of Jammu and Kashmir. Farmers must be informed about the advantages of these practices so that agriculture becomes productive and attractive, even for the younger generation.”
The Chief Minister also pledged his Government’s unwavering support to SKUAST, saying, “This four-day program is an excellent initiative for farmers and visitors to learn and benefit from. My Government will fully support and assist the university in its endeavors. We stand shoulder to shoulder with you, and you will always find our doors open to help this institution thrive.”
During the event, Omar Abdullah released several books on agriculture and research authored by various experts.
He also felicitated progressive farmers from Jammu division for their contributions to the sector.
Earlier, the Chief Minister inaugurated the National Agriculture Summit & Farmers’ Fair-2024 in the presence of Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary, Minister for Agriculture Production Javid Ahmad Dar, Vice Chancellor SKUAST-Jammu BN Tripathi, MLA RS Pura-Jammu South Dr. Narinder Singh Raina and other dignitaries.
On the occasion, Omar Abdullah laid the foundation stone of the Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship Development at the main campus of SKUAST-Jammu and planted saplings of various fruit plants alongside the Deputy CM, Agriculture Minister, MLA, and VC SKUAST-Jammu.
The Chief Minister also inspected stalls set up by agriculture and allied departments, interacting with staff and farmers.
4-day National Agriculture Summit at SKUAST-Jammu.
Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences & Technology (SKUAST) Jammu is organizing four days National Agriculture Summit – 2024 from November 20, 2024 at Main Campus, Chatha.Jammu local businesses
Theme of National Agriculture Summit- 2024 is “Harnessing Innovations in Agriculture and Allied Sciences”, underscoring the transformative role of technology and sustainable practices in modern farming.
This was informed by Prof B N Tripathi, Vice-Chancellor of SKUAST-Jammu, while briefing media persons about the mega event, here today.
“National Agriculture Summit- 2024 will showcase cutting-edge technologies developed by research organizations, alongside valuable insights into smart agricultural practices. This will provide a unique opportunity for participants to engage with innovative solutions and best practices in the Jammu region,” he said.
With an expected attendance of twelve to fifteen thousand participants from J&K and neighbouring States, this summit will feature a series of impactful workshops, each designed to equip farmers and stakeholders with the latest insights and practical skills in agriculture and allied sciences. Some of the sessions would be on Agri Startups and Agripreneurship, Agri Mechanization, Automation, and Digital Agriculture, Precision Livestock Farming, Dairying, and Fish Farming, High-Tech Agriculture and Horticulture, Empowering Rural Women in Agriculture and Beyond, Farmer-Industry-Academia Linkages, Natural and Organic Farming, Post- Harvest Management and Agriculture Marketing and Rural youth and students on career opportunities in agriculture.
The fair will also showcase a captivating dog show, vegetable and fruit displays and a flower show, celebrating the region’s agricultural diversity and aesthetic appeal. A state-of-the-art exhibition and drone demonstration will introduce cutting-edge technology in agriculture. Additionally, the livestock and poultry show will be the highlight of the event.
Further, there will be different stalls from various sectors viz., public, private, NGOs, SHG/ start-up and progressive farmers, depicting the latest farm technologies such as hydroponics, Integrated Farming System, improved farm machinery, irrigation systems, mobile soil testing lab and exotic vegetables related to farmer welfare.
SKUAST-Jammu is organizing this mega event in collaboration with the Departments of Agriculture Production and Farmers Welfare, Horticulture, Animal Husbandry, Sheep Husbandry, Sericulture, Fisheries, Horticulture Planning & Marketing, Floriculture, Gardens and Parks, J&K State Advisory Board for Development of Kisans, Department of School Education, J&K Youth Services and Sports Department, Indian Farmers Fertilizer Cooperative Ltd, National Fertilizers Limited, Chandigarh and National Horticulture Board, Govt of India.
VC SKUAST-Jammu Inaugurates High-End Research Facilities at Institute of Biotechnology
Prof. B.N. Tripathi, Vice-Chancellor, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Jammu inaugurated high-end research facility developed under VC Flexi grant scheme of Holistic Agriculture Development Plan (HADP) project of Govt. of J&K UT. The facility includes high throughput transfection Particle Delivery System and a next generation sequencing unit. Prof. Tripathi expressed satisfaction on the establishment of such a facility which will give a boost to the genomic research for accelerated and precision crop improvement. The VC advised the scientists to utilize these high-end equipments to their fullest potential, and strive for breakthroughs that could contribute significantly to the field of biotechnology and beyond.
Later, Prof. B.N. Triptahi interacted with a group of technicians of Department of Horticulture, JK UT Govt., who were imparted two months training on ‘Tissue Culture Practices and Protocols for Scaled upProduction of Quality Planting Material in EconomicallyImportant Fruit Plants’ at Institute of Biotechnology, SKUAST-Jammu with financial support under HADP.
Present on the occasion were Sh. C.L. Sharma, Director Horticulture; Prof. S.K. Gupta, Director Research; Prof. AmrishVaid, Director Extension; Prof. R.K. Salgotra, Director Institute of Biotechnology, Dr. HemaTripathi, Associate Director Extension and faculty members of the Institute.
Prof. B.N. Tripathi emphasized on the importance of conducting such trainings for technical staff of line departments to make them more skillful for generating quality planting material of economically important crops. He ensured continuous technical backup of the biotechnology scientists to the Department of Horticulture in establishing and operationalizing the Tissue Culture Laboratories being established at Mega Fruit Nursery, Chakroi. Prof. Tripathi laid stress on developing cost effective commercial tissue culture protocols for fruit plants such as strawberry, citrus fruits and banana.
Sh. C.L. Sharma expressed gratitude to the University for training manpower of the Department in tissue culture which will boost production of planting material for meeting demand of the farming community. He promised the financial support to the University through projects for need based research endeavors. The Director Horticulture felt need of surveying the fruit growing pockets of the Jammu region for estimating the production potential of major fruit crops.
Dr. S.K. Gupta appreciated the efforts of the concerned scientists and cooperation provided by the Department of Horticulture for conducting the training programme. Dr. HemaTripathi took feed back from the trainees and suggested that a certificate course in Tissue Culture may be instituted and offered on regular basis.
Earlier, Prof. R.K. Salgotra welcomed the dignitaries and presented an outline of newly created research facilities, along with brief report of activities of the training programme. Prof. Salgotra conveyed his gratitude to the Vice-Chancellor for providing funds for establishing high-end research facilities under VC Flexi grant.
The activities of the programme were coordinated by Prof. Manmohan Sharma, Course Coordinator and vote of thanks was presented by Dr. Susheel Sharma.
Second day of ‘VET FEST 2K24’ showcases cultural extravaganza
On the second day of VET FEST 2K24 veterinary students showcased their talents in cultural extravaganza‘RangRez’ hosted by the Faculty of Veterinary Sciences and Animal Husbandry at SKUAST-Jammu, R S Pura.
Dr. Rajesh Katoch, Dean, F.V.Sc & A.H graced the occasion and inaugurated the event alongside other Faculty members. Students showcased their talents in cultural events like Dhanak, the Dance competition (Solo, Duet and Group folk dance); Suriley the singing competition (Solo, Duet and Group); Kehkashan, the fashion show, Express, the skit and drama. The VET FEST 2K24 is being organized under the guidance of Dr. B.N Tripathi, Hon’ble Vice-Chancellor, SKUAST-Jammu. The event is being conducted in collaboration with IDP-NAHEP, SKUAST-Jammu.
Prof. Rajesh Katoch, the Patron of the Organizing Committee and Dean of the Faculty of Veterinary Sciences & Animal Husbandry reaffirmed that platforms like Vet Fest serve as catalysts for holistic growth, enabling participants to explore their potential beyond the confines of traditional academic settings and encouraging them to embrace a spirit of exploration and experimentation.
Dr H.R Bhardwaj, Organizing Secretary of VET FEST 2K24 extended warm welcome to all the invited guests and audience.
The event witnessed and enjoyed by invited guests, HoDs, Veterinary teaching and non-teaching staff members and students.
SKUAST-Jammu Organizes Events on Lifestyle for Environment (LiFE)
Mission LiFE: Ideation and Poster competition at SKUAST-Jammu
Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Jammu in its mission to create awareness among students regarding “Mission LiFE” conducted two events on Poster Making and Ideation under the theme ‘Waste to Wealth in Agriculture, Horticulture, Agroforestry and Livestock Farming’. The objective of organizing events was to scale up vision of Mission Life into on-ground actions.In the poster making contest, 60 talented participants showcased their creativity and commitment to the cause while the Ideation competition witnessed the active participation of 13 candidates who presented innovative ideas for creation of wealth from waste through PowerPoint presentations.The events were managed by Dr. Manmohan Sharma, Dr. Ankur Rastogi, Dr. Sachin Gupta and Dr. Partiksha Raghuvanshi.
Mission LiFE, proposed at Glasgow Climate Change Conference (COP 26) in November 2021 and launched on 20th October, 2022 by Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi, is envisioned as an India-led global mass movement that will nudge individual and collective action to protect and preserve the environment.
The enthusiasm and dedication exhibited by the students was commendable, reflecting their commitment to generate innovative solutions for addressing pressing environmental challenges caused by diverse agro wastes. Dr. Hema Tripathi, Associate Director Extension, SKUAST-Jammu and Prof. A.K. Raina, former Professor and Head, Department of Environment Sciences, University of Jammu were the judges in Ideation contest while Shri Sat Paul Deol judged the poster competition.
The programme was held under the overall patronage of Prof. B.N. Tripathi, Vice Chancellor, SKUAST-Jammu. Prof. Rajinder Peshin, Director of Education is the Chairperson while Prof. Sudhakar Dwivedi, Dean Student Welfare is acting as the Coordinator of the Programmes being organized under Mission LiFe at SKUAST-Jammu.
The student activities under Mission LiFE at SKUAST-Jammu are being organized in coordination with NAHEP-IDP and NSS unit of the University.These events shall serve as precursors to the main function scheduled to be held at the Baba Jitto Auditorium, SKUAST-Jammu on May 13, 2024.
Valedictory Function of One Month Agri-entrepreneurship Training Programmes held by Agri-Business Incubator, SKUAST-Jammu
Prof. B. N. Tripathi, Hon’ble Vice Chancellor, SKUAST-Jammu remarked that seeds of creativity and innovative thinking need to be sowed in the minds of young students from an early stage so asto inspire young students to look towards developing their own agri-business ventures utilizing their education and learnings. He was speaking as Chief Guest during the valedictory function of one month agri-entrepreneurship training programmes for 7 th batch of incubatees of Agri-Business Incubator, SKUAST-Jammu from 19.03.2024 to 25.04.2024 under RKVY-RAFTAAR scheme of Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, GoI. The main focus of the training programme was to provide academic, business & technical training to the selected incubatees so as to give shape to their creative thinking & innovative ideas for setting up their agri start-ups. Prof. Tripathi outlined the importance of boosting the agri start-up ecosystem by motivating young students to look beyond traditional job opportunities and broaden their vision to become job providers by running their own enterprises. He emphasized that the students should be imparted practical entrepreneurship training from the undergraduate level itself so that they are in a position to set up their own ventures during their student
stint only. He advised budding entrepreneurs and young students to have regular brain storming sessions on problems of the agriculture sector which shall help in creation of novel innovative ideas which can be converted into commercial ventures by initiating business operations from the University itself. He assured all stakeholders that complete support and hand-holding shall be provided by the University to all those who are looking forward to go down the path of agri-entrepreneurship. He also congratulated Prof. Jyoti Kachroo, Head, Division of AEABM, CEO & P.I, Agri Business Incubator, SKUAST-J and her entire team on the successful completion of the training. Earlier, Prof. Jyoti Kachroo, in her address, formally welcomed Prof. B.N. Tripathi, Hon’ble Vice Chancellor, SKUAST-J and expressed heartfelt gratitude towards him for sparing some of his valuable time for the event. She also welcomed the academic and administrative officers of the University namely Prof. Anil Sharma, Dean- Faculty of Agriculture, Prof. S.E.H Rizvi, Dean- Faculty of Basic Sciences, Prof. Sudhakar Dwivedi, Dean-Student Welfare, Prof. Vikas Tandon, Dean- Faculty of Horticulture & Forestry, Prof. Sushil Sharma, Dean-Faculty of Agricultural Engineering, Prof. J.S. Soodan, Dean- Faculty of Dairy Technology, Dr. R.K Samnotra, University Librarian and Dr. Mahital Jamwal, Associate, Director Research. She outlined that 7 batches of potential agri-entrepreneurs consisting of 78 incubatees have now been trained at ABI, SKUAST-J and funding to the tune of Rs. 2.88 crores in total has been sanctioned in favor of 26 start-ups. She also informed the house about some new initiatives introduced involving special funding support to students and women entrepreneurs along-with cash prizes to best start-ups on the basis of their innovative ideas and products. Prof. Anil Kumar, Dean FoA, in his opening remarks enlightened the gathering about the RKVY-RAFTAAR scheme of GoI and its positive impact in developing agri start-up ecosystem in the region. He emphasized on the importance of aligning higher education and research with solving practical on ground issues which can become successful commercial ventures in the future. The incubatees also shared their experience regarding the training programme and expressed their gratitude towards the efforts made by ABI, SKUAST-J under the guidance of Hon’ble Vice Chancellor, SKUAST-J for facilitating and guiding them during their training journey. Certificates were also distributed to the incubatees by the Chief Guest. Proceedings of the programme were conducted by Dr. Anil Bhat, Co-P.I
Asstt. Prof. AEABM. Dr. Yamini Raut and Mr. Tarunjeet Singh from ABI, SKUAST-J facilitated the arrangements for the event. At the end, formal vote of thanks was presented by Dr. S.P Singh, Co-P.I and Professor, AEABM thanking all the present dignitaries for their valuable time and participation in the event.