Transforming J&K UT into knowledge economy will lead to growth of bio-economy: VC SKUAST-K

Srinagar: A divisional-level orientation and training programme organised by the Directorate of Research SKUAST-Kashmir under the aegis of the Agriculture Production Department Government of J&K kick-started on Wednesday here at the Vice-Chancellor’s conference hall. The programme will continue till February 3.
The programme was chaired by Vice-Chancellor SKUAST-Kashmir Dr. Nazir A. Ganie and attended by Director Agriculture Kashmir Mr. Choudhary Mohammad Iqbal, Director Research Prof. Sarfaraz a Wani, Director Extension Prof Dil Mohammad Makhdoomi, Director Strategic Planning and Marketing Prof Haroon Rashid Nayak, Director Doordarahsn Mr. Haseebul Rehman, Associate Directors of Research, Chief Agriculture Officer District Agriculture Officer, Programme coordinators of KVKs and scientists of SKUAST-Kashmir.
The Vice-Chancellor in his inaugural address informed the house about the first-of-its-kind plan for any state with an actionable roadmap for the holistic development of agriculture. The plan, he said, has well-defined short and long-term goals and expected outputs and outcomes leading us to bridge a vide gap between production and imports.
The VC mentioned that he is falling short of words to thank Lt Governor Manoj Sinha and Additional Chief Secretary Agriculture Production Department Atal Dullo for their “tireless efforts and support for making the dream come true”. He stressed exploring the potential of the endowments, diversity with human intellect bestowed to the UT for its future generations to come.
While encouraging the extension functionaries, he said, “We have to transform the UT into a knowledge economy and ultimately leading to the growth of bio-economy. We have to sacrifice our comforts for the future generations to come by converting our Vision Mission and Goal in the action.”
Prof. Sarfaraz A. Wani, Director Research in his address briefed about the month-long programme and the implementation plan of this holistic programme. “This project orientation clarifies and describes what the project should deliver and within what time frames. It is a learning exercise that defines and schedules the major phases of project work being carried out to fulfill the desired project objective(s) and achieve the expected deliverables. It is more than just planning and managing projects using technical skills,” he said. “It is also about leading, engaging, and empowering teams and stakeholders toward outcomes that deliver value to the organization. Project orientation shall confirm the benefits and value of the project and shall answer the ‘what’ and ‘how’ questions besides it shall motivate the team to move forward, allowing each team member to own their work and decisions to support the common goal.”
Director Agriculture Choudhary Mohammad Iqbal requested the Vice-Chancellor to inaugurate the weekly planner (international year of Millets- 2023). He highlighted the role of the Vice-Chancellor, Scientist of SKUAST-Kashmir and officers of the line department without whose efforts framing this mega project was not possible. He also lauded the coordination and cooperation shown by all the line departments and the university and ensured that the department of agriculture will always support the development of the Agriculture and Horticulture sectors of the UT.
Director Doordarshan Dr. HaseebulZaman was all in praise for SKUAST-Kashmir and the development departments of agriculture and allied for their efforts to strengthen the agriculture sector of J&K. He thanked the Vice-Chancellor for inviting him to be a part of this great mission wherein the farmers in particular and public in general are being benefited. Dr. Naseer Ahmad, Nodal Officer, Divisional Level Orientation Programmes, presented a welcome address while Associate Director Research, Prof. A.H. Mughal presented a vote of thanks.
After the inaugural, the technical session started with the first presentation on the Development of Seed and seed multiplications chain delivered by Director Agriculture Choudhary Mohammad Iqbal and Prof. Mohammad Ashraf Bhat, Nodal Officer Seeds SKUAST-Kashmir.

KR Desk