SKIMS to Submit White Paper on Food Safety to Government, Director SKIMS
Srinagar, November 4, 2025: Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS), in collaboration with Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (SKUAST) Kashmir, organised the Food Safety and Health Conclave 2025 today at the SKIMS Auditorium. The conclave brought together distinguished experts, public health specialists, and key officials to deliberate on comprehensive strategies for strengthening food safety in Jammu & Kashmir.
Hon’ble Minister for Agriculture Production, Rural Development &; Panchayat Raj Mr. Javid Ahmad Dar, attended the valedictory session as Chief Guest along with Prof. M. Ashraf Ganie Director SKIMS/ EOSG , Prof. Yoginder Kumar Gupta ,President AIIMS Kalyani as guest of honour Dr. Shahid Iqbal Choudhary ( IAS) Secretary Science & Technology, as Special Guest , Dr. Haroon Rashid, Director Research SKAUST, Dean Medical Faculty SKIMS, Prof. G. M Gulzar, Prof. Fazal Q. Parray SKIMS MC , Director Education SKAUST Prof. Mohd.Altaf Bhat and senior faculty, and distinguished delegates from both institutions.
Mr. Javid Ahmad Dar, Hon’ble Minister for Agriculture, in his address, stated that 7,500 hectares have been identified in Jammu & Kashmir for natural farming practices aimed at minimising pesticide use and promoting sustainable agriculture. He added that the government is already implementing flagship horticulture programmes to support farmers and enhance agricultural productivity in the region.
Reflecting on recent food safety concerns, he noted that although uncertainty was witnessed among people, the Government and the Enforcement Wing acted promptly and diligently. He affirmed that checks and balances have since been strengthened to a considerable degree to safeguard public interest. He described scientists as the real intellectual and ethical assets of the country, emphasising their role in guiding science-based policy and public health protections.
He stated that while adulteration and unsafe practices can be addressed, they require both regulatory intervention and a strong sense of moral responsibility and awareness at the societal conscience level. The Minister acknowledged that such programmes have significant impact and benefit society at large, and urged that these initiatives be taken to the grassroots level to effectively address these critical issues and protect community health.
Dr. Shahid Choudhary (IAS), Secretary Science & Technology, stated that the recently framed food policy is a welcome step, however its success depends on it being technically robust, administratively implementable, and politically supported. He underscored the important role of religious scholars in shaping public awareness and emphasised that food safety cannot be compromised at any level, calling for a systematic and well-structured approach.
He highlighted the critical need for research in the field of food safety and observed that premier institutions such as SKIMS and SKUAST have a pivotal role to play. He noted that there are significant research and funding opportunities available, and encouraged students and young scholars to explore them with the right strategy. He affirmed that the Department of Science & Technology stands ready to support SKIMS in all such endeavours.
Director SKIMS & EOSG, Prof. M. Ashraf Ganie, stated that the conclave followed the recent rotten meat incident, subsequent high-level deliberations convened by Hon’ble Chief Minister J&K, Mr. Omar Abdullah, and SKIMS’ commitment to spearhead a scientific intervention on food safety in partnership with SKUAST-K. He underscored that food safety is a vital public health concern requiring robust scientific scrutiny to understand the implications of preservatives, pesticides, and genetically modified foods on human health.
President AIIMS Kalyani, Prof. Y. Kumar, stressed the need for adopting scientific and effective techniques for public awareness on food safety. He emphasised that strong administrative support to academic and healthcare institutions is critical for advancing public health initiatives.
Prof. Kumar noted that low-dose, slow-residual pesticide exposure poses a greater long-term danger than acute, high-exposure toxicity, particularly because adulterated and contaminated food can lead to chronic poisoning in children, affecting growth and long-term health outcomes.
He highlighted the importance of a coordinated, multi-sectoral approach, stating that scientists, agriculturists, policymakers, religious institutions, and media must work together to build societal awareness and reach communities effectively to ensure food safety and public well-being.
A central highlight of the event was an in-depth panel discussion on formulating guidelines for food safety and preparing a white paper that will be formally submitted to the Government. The panel critically examined the current food safety landscape and proposed actionable policy recommendations. The panelists included key administrators, religious scholars, community leaders & lawyers. Mr. Akshay Labroo ( IAS), District Commissioner, Srinagar, Prof.Riyaz Ahmad Shah, Dean FVSC& AH SKAUST, Dr. Abdul Lateef Alkindi , Prof. Farooq Ahmed Kaloo, Former Director Animal Husbandry Kasmir & Representative Group of Concerned Citizens, Dr, Ruchita Gupta , National Professional Officer , WHO , Mr. Yameen-Ul -Nabi , Assistant Commissioner J& K Food & Drug Administration, District Srinagar participated in the event.
District Commissioner, Mr. Akshay Labroo (IAS), noted that although operational constraints exist, law enforcement is being strictly implemented. He emphasized that community participation remains essential for effective management and ensuring safe food for the public. He further stressed that regulation and enforcement must be exercised without bias or discrimination.
Legal experts highlighted the need for strong deterrence measures and tangible action to curb violations.
Religious scholars underscored that ensuring food purity and transparency is not only a civic responsibility but also a religious obligation.
Citizen groups voiced serious concerns regarding the prevailing food safety challenges and called for enhanced administrative efficiency, vigilance, and decisive action to safeguard consumers.
The conclave featured thematic sessions on Public Health and Regulatory Frameworks, Food Safety and Ethics in J&K, Nutraceutical and Drug-Food Interactions, Clinical Consequences of Unsafe Food Consumption, Agriculture and Production Systems, and Regulatory and Institutional Architecture.
Prof. Ashraf acknowledged the contributions of the event organiser, Prof. Iftikhar Bashir, and his team for convening a substantive academic and policy-oriented platform. He noted that expert deliberations and outcomes of the conclave will meaningfully contribute to enhanced public awareness and strengthened food safety mechanisms in the region.
