LG inaugurates, boys hostel at SKUAST’s Faculty of Forestry Benihama G’bl

Srinagar: Lieutenant Governor, Shri Manoj Sinha,inaugurated the PINE Boys Hostel at Faculty of Forestry, SKUAST-Kashmir,Benihama, Ganderbal. The PINE Boys Hostel has a capacity of 48 rooms where 90 students can avail the facility of residing in the hostel which will facilitate the process of on-campus learning.
The LG also laid foundation stone of Trainees Hostel, Watershed Management project and Academic Block of Faculty of Forestry, SKUAST-Kashmir.University Publications including annual reports, newsletters, monographs were released during the function by the Lt. Governor(Chancellor, SKUAST-Kashmir).
In his 30 minutes speech he said that he regretted expressing the deforestation done in the region. He assured that forests grabbed by some vested interests will be recovered soon. He congratulated women for their role in preservation of forests.He said that Faculty of Forestry must work for farmers, so that they get timely seeds for vegetables and crops and fodder for animals.Let research come out of laboratories to the farmers land in Kashmir by that our importance will be increased, he added.In the past few months there has been a marked increase in agriculture, horticulture, animal husbandry and dairy sector which is encouraging. He said by that time he will not allow any penny of government exchequer to be misused. He stressed SKUAST administration to finish the projects it has taken in hand in stipulated time frame so that stakeholders get benefitted. He lauded the role of Faculty of Forestry for taking in hand the project that would revolutionise the forestry in Ganderbal area and praised the framing of SKUAST syllabus and Exhibition cum seed mela. In response to the concern regarding requirement of infrastructure at faculty of forestry, Hon’bleLt Governor assured to look into the matter for providing necessary funds/assistance.
The chief guest was accompanied by Prof. J. P. Sharma, Vice Chancellor SKUAST-Kashmir along with Director Research, Director Extension, Director Education, Director Planning, Registrar, Deans of different faculties, officers of the university and the faculty members from Faculty of Forestry.The other dignitaries who participated in the program include Vice-Chancellor, Baba GhulamShah University, IGP Kashmir,Divisional Commissioner Kashmir and Director General Horticulture.
Prof. J. P. Sharma, Vice Chancellor SKUAST-Kashmir welcomed the chief guest, dignitaries, officers of the university, media persons and other guests present in the event. Prof. J. P. Sharma, Vice-Chancellor SKUAST-Kashmir gave a brief overview of the Agriculture-Forestry scenario in the state and highlighted the need to develop Agro-forestry models in order to increase the income of a farmer. Vice-Chancellor SKUAST-Jammu &Kashmir apprised the Chancellor about the different achievements of the University in research, teaching and extension domains across the university.He emphasized on branding Herpora Potato and Shopian rajmash and advised the faculty of forestry to orient their research on ornamental plants, GI tagging of willows and collection of best deodar seeds.
Director Extension, Prof. Dil Mohammad Makhdoomi, presented 10 champion farmers to the Lt. Governor from KVK’s who were awarded Rs.5000/- each and a certificate by the chief guest.
Dr. A.K. Mehta, Chief Secretary, was also present at the function and apprised the gathering with different schemes available for the benefit of farmers in general and common people of the state in particular. DDC Chairperson Ganderbal NuzhatAshfaq highlighted the developmental issues of District Ganderbal and submitted a memorandum to LG.
Dean, Faculty of Forestry, Prof. T. H. Masoodi proposed the formal vote of thanks to the LG and all the VVIPs, dignitaries, officers of the university and participants at the end of the event.