Srinagar: A two-week high-end workshop on ‘Nanotechnology in AgriFood System Replete with Opportunities’ concluded at Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir, Shalimar campus on Wednesday.

Sponsored by Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB) under Karyashala Scheme, the workshop was organized by the SKUAST-K’s Division of Plant Pathology, FoH Shalimar. MSC and PhD students from across the country participated in the Nanotechnology and Agriculture workshop, which was held for the first time in Jammu and Kashmir. Earlier in 2021 the training programme on the related topic was conducted by the Division of Plant Pathology, FoH, SKUAST-Kashmir, Shalimar, under IDP-NAHEP, but in online mode. In the Workshop, there were eighteen expert talks delivered by Scientists from different Universities/Institutions of the Valley and outside the valley as well. The participants had hands-on training on synthesizing and characterising Nanoparticles in the Division of Plant Pathology, FoH conducted by Dr Tariq A Sofi. During their visit to NIT-Srinagar participants learned Hands-on operations of high-end instruments like FESEM, XRD, Coating workstations and others in their CRF facility.

Vice Chancellor, SKUAST-K, Prof Nazir Ahmad Ganai, who was the chief guest at the valedictory function, highlighted the importance and role of Nanotechnology in addition to emerging technologies like Machine learning and Artificial Intelligence in Agriculture and the allied sectors. Prof Ganai impressed upon the Faculty to develop the facilities for nanotechnology research.

Prof Shabir A Wani, Dean FoH highlighted the importance of Nanotechnology and appreciated the efforts and highlighted the importance of the Division of Plant Pathology. The welcome address was presented by Dr Shaheen K Jan, Prof & Head, Division of Plant Pathology. The overview of the workshop was presented by the Coordinator of the programme Dr Tariq A Sof and Dr MD Shah presented the vote of thanks.

KR Desk