| Knowledge exchange session on urban, organic, and hydroponic crop-growing techniques | | |  Early Times Report
JAMMU, July 16: Under the guidance of Prof. B.N. Tripathi, Vice chancellor, Sher-e- Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology-Jammu, interactive session was organized by Dr. Sanjay Guleria, Dean, with faculty members of Basic Sciences on "Knowledge exchange on urban, organic, and hydroponic crop-growing techniques" on 15th of july in the Division of Plant Physiology. The event was graced by Lt. Gen. Anuprinder Bevli, Additional Director General (ADG), and Mrs. Bevli, along with all HoD's, students, teaching and non-teaching staff of faculty of basic sciences were present.
Dr. Gurdev Chand (Professor & Head, Division of Plant Physiology) focused on introducing advanced, space-efficient agricultural practices suited for urban and peri-urban environments, with in-depth discussions comparing organic farming and hydroponic systems. Faculty members presented key insights into container-based organic farming, Nutrient Film Technique (NFT), aeroponics, and aquaponics, emphasizing innovations in water-use efficiency, nutrient management, and biosecurity.
The delegation also toured the university's hydroponic demonstration units, including Dutch bucket and vertical tower systems, and witnessed practical demonstrations on nutrient mixing, pH monitoring, and maintenance protocols. An interactive discussion explored the scalability and commercial viability of these systems, during which Lt. Gen. Bevli emphasized the importance of cost-benefit analysis for urban entrepreneurs, while Mrs. Bevli advocated for inclusive capacity-building initiatives.
In response, Dr. Gurdev Chand proposed a two-week certificate course titled "Urban and Soilless Farming Technologies," to be jointly hosted by SKUAST-Jammu and the ADG's office. The session concluded with key outcomes: in-principle approval for establishing demonstration units under ADG oversight, commitment to the new certificate program, and a follow-up meeting within a month to finalize project details.
Dr. Sanjay Guleria, Dean, Faculty of Basic Sciences, appreciated the initiative as a progressive step towards integrating sustainable urban agriculture with academic research and community outreach. Dr. Gurdev Chand expressed gratitude for the Bevlis' engagement and reiterated the division's commitment to collaborative research and innovation in agriculture. |
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