 Early Times Report
JAMMU, Oct 7: The Department of Science & Technology, Government of India, sponsored a two-day workshop on "Investment in Agro-Technologies for Self-Reliance" at SKUAST-Jammu, which successfully concluded. The workshop featured three technical sessions spread across two days, bringing together experts from various universities and institutions in North India, including CSKHPKV Palampur, PAU Ludhiana, University of Jammu, IIT Jammu, CSIR-IHBT Palampur, and ICAR-IIAB Ranchi. The aim was to sensitize scientists from participating institutes and PG & UG students of SKUAST-Jammu to the importance of agro-technologies in achieving self-sufficiency in agriculture and allied sectors.
The discussions during the workshop revolved around biotechnological, breeding, agronomical, genomic, and engineering aspects aimed at developing agro-technologies. The goal was to address the challenges posed by a growing human population, shrinking natural resources, and climate change. Emphasis was placed on interdisciplinary collaborations in research to develop new technologies that enhance precision and efficiency in agriculture. Engineering and biotechnological solutions to emerging problems in agriculture and allied sectors were considered crucial for future research and development.
Scientists from GADVASU Ludhiana, HAU Hissar, HPKV Palampur, and SKUAST-Jammu actively participated in various technical sessions, contributing to the discussions and knowledge exchange.
The valedictory session, chaired by Prof. R.K. Samnotra, Director Research, SKUAST-Jammu, saw the presence of Prof. Susheel Sharma, Dean of the Faculty of Agricultural Engineering, Prof. R.K. Salgotra, Coordinator of the School of Biotechnology and Organizing Secretary of the workshop, and Dr. Vikas Sharma, Head of Soil Science & Agril. Chemistry. Prof. Samnotra emphasized the vital role of Agricultural Engineers, Biotechnologists, Agronomists, and Plant Breeders in developing agro-technologies to achieve self-reliance. He also paid tribute to Prof. Swaminathan, the father of the Indian Green Revolution, highlighting his significant contributions to making India self-sufficient in food production.
Dr. Ravinder Singh, Assistant Professor at the School of Biotechnology, presented the workshop's recommendations. The valedictory session was attended by Heads of the Divisions, faculty members, scientists from other participating institutes, and students of SKUAST-Jammu. During the event, three scientists, Dr. Amrish Vaid, Prof. & Head of the Division of Plant Pathology; Dr. Moni Gupta, Professor of the Division of Biochemistry; and Dr. Mahender Singh, Chief Scientist in Agrometeorology, were honored for their dedicated services in organizing the workshop.
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