Mansbal: Vice Chancellor, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir, Prof Nazir Ahmad Ganai, Tuesday conducted a comprehensive quality inspection tour of its constituent research institute, Mountain Livestock Research Institute (MLRI), Manasbal.
He was accompanied by Prof TH Masoodi, Registrar, SKUAST-Kashmir; Prof Shabir Ahmad Wani, Dean Faculty of Horticulture, SKUAST-K), Mr. Parvaiz A. Bhat (Deputy Registrar, SKUAST-K), Head MLRI Prof. H.M. Khan, and MLRI scientists.
During the tour, the vice chancellor appreciated the ongoing mechanization efforts being carried out at the farm. However, he emphasized the importance of maintaining and breeding true to standard dairy breeds. He expressed dissatisfaction with the substandard civil works and ordered immediate remediation to ensure quality standards. Additionally, he discussed plans for infrastructure enhancement, campus beautification, and road macadamisation.
The vice chancellor stressed the need for optimal utilization and functionality of the existing infrastructure assets at the institute. Some of these assets were identified for prompt repairs so that the returns are proportionate to investments.
In order to achieve enhanced milk production and processing output, Prof Ganai advised the MLRI management to undertake systematic expansion of the existing milk plant’s infrastructure and technical capabilities. This would involve assessing the current facility’s capacity and bottlenecks, estimating future production targets. He highlighted the role of funding in driving innovation and encouraged scientists to pursue external grants actively.
Prof Ganai expressed satisfaction with the progress made under HADP and emphasized the importance of maintaining a continued focus on quality. He expressed his desire to see the development of a state-of-the-art Embryo Transfer Laboratory at MLRI within the next two years, emphasizing the need for stringent quality control. The visit concluded with a strong call for rapid and sustainable progress at MLRI.
The other steps advised by the visiting team include ensuring strict breed quality, monitoring construction activities, maintaining flawless farm aesthetics and mechanization, providing operational irrigation facilities for optimum fodder production, increasing milk output and securing augmented financing.