SRINAGAR: In a significant step towards strengthening agricultural research and innovation in the Kashmir Valley, a high-level delegation from the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT), Hyderabad visited the Dryland Agriculture Research Station (DARS), Rangreth, of Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K).
The team was led by Dr. Stephen Blade, Deputy Director General, (Research and Innovation) at ICRISAT, accompanied by Dr. Manzoor Hussain Dar, Global Head (Seed systems), and Dr Damaris A. Odeny (Cluster Leader) for Genomics and Trait Discovery ICRISAT. The visit marks a new chapter of collaboration between SKUAST-Kashmir and ICRISAT, Hyderabad in advancing sustainable agricultural practices, crop improvement, and climate-resilient technologies for the Himalayan region.
The programme commenced with a warm welcome address by Dr. Zahida Rashid, Senior Scientist, DARS Rangreth. This was followed by a detailed presentation by Prof. M.Ashraf Bhat, Associate Director Research, DARS, SKUAST-K, who highlighted the ongoing research initiatives and technological interventions being pursued at DARS for developing high yielding and climate smart varieties that can pave a way forward for food and nutritional security in the region. He cautioned about harmful impact of climate change in temperate agro-climatic conditions.
Prof. Haroon R. Naik, Director Research, SKUAST-K, graced the occasion as the Guest of Honour, offering a comprehensive overview of the university research priorities and achievements. He underscored the importance of partnerships with global institutions like ICRISAT in addressing the challenges of food security, climate variability, and livelihood improvement in the Himalayan context.
The Chief Guest expressed great satisfaction with the quality of research and developmental work being carried out at SKUAST-Kashmir in general and at DARS in particular. He appreciated the commitment of the university scientists towards addressing region-specific agricultural challenges, particularly in dryland and climate-vulnerable areas. He desired that National and International Institutes must work in consonance on common mandated programmes to develop climate resilient varieties which can help to strengthen the economy of the farming community especially in Dryland Agriculture.
A major highlight of the deliberations was the discussion on the establishment of the “Himalayan Centre for Climate-Resilient Agriculture (HIMRCA)” at DARS, SKUAST-Kashmir, Rangreth which can foster a hub for advanced research, innovation, and capacity building. The ICRISAT team expressed keen interest in partnering on this proposed centre, especially in areas of climate-smart agriculture, seed systems, and integrated farming approaches.
Apart from DARS faculty the meeting was also attended by several prominent faculty members of SKUAST-K, including Prof. Asif Shikari, Senior Plant Breeder, Prof. Zahoor, ADR, Dr. Latief A Sofi, Scientist (Agrometeorology). The event concluded with a Lab and Field visit to ongoing experimental plots and facilities at DARS Rangreth; where the visiting experts interacted with the scientists and gained first-hand insights into the innovative technologies and adaptive strategies being tested.The visit is expected to pave the way for a long-term collaborative framework between ICRISAT, Hyderabad and SKUAST-K, with a focus on enhancing research, innovation, and outreach for the benefit of farmers in the Himalayanregion.At the end Dr. F.A. Bahar, Professor of Agronomy, offered vote of thanks to the visiting dignitaries.