The inaugural ceremony of 08 days high end workshop/training programme on “Adoption of Bio-Pesticides for Crop Protection and Improvement : Emerging Technologies to Benefit Farmers” was organized in the conference hall of Vice Chancellor secretariat, SKUAST-Kashmir.
The session was anchored by Ms. Gazala Gulzar, Ph. D. scholar, Division of Plant Pathology.
The session commenced with the welcome address by the event organizer, Dr. Sabiya Bashir, Associate Professor, Division of Plant Pathology, who formally welcomed the dignitaries, speakers and participants of the training programme.
The brief overview of the training programme was presented by Prof. Shaheen K. Jan, Head Division of Plant Pathology, FoH SKUAST-K. The guest of honour, Prof. A. H. Mughal, Director Research highlighted the critical role that bio-pesticides play in crop protection, ensuring the reduction of chemical residues and contributing to a healthier ecosystem.
On the occasion, Prof. Neelofar Banday, Dean Faculty of Horticulture, expressed appreciation for commitment to promote sustainable agricultural practices and focus on the implementation of eco-friendly solutions.
The chief guest, Hon’ble Vice Chancellor SKUAST-K, Prof Nazir Ahmad Ganai, highlighted many issues faced by agriculture in the state and informed the house about the rolling out of a new holistic agriculture policy by the government for the promotion of agriculture in J&K.
He emphasized upon the scientists to work hard for achieving simultaneously the goals of food security, nutritional security and Livelihood security.
The chief guest advised students to apply creative solutions to the agricultural problems and take advantage of available opportunities to provide innovative impetus which is necessary for survival and success in a challenging future for mediocre individuals and societies.
The inaugural session concluded on vote of thanks presented by Dr. Mohammad Najeeb Mughal, Associate professor, Division of Plant Pathology.
