SRINAGAR: The Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K) successfully concluded a 21-day Training Programme on “Geo-Information Science for Natural Resource Management”, organized by the Division of Soil Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Wadura.
The valedictory session was presided over by Prof. Nazir Ahmad Ganai, Hon’ble Vice Chancellor, SKUAST-Kashmir, while Dr. M. K. Verma, Director, ICAR–Central Institute of Temperate Horticulture (CITH), Srinagar, graced the occasion as Guest of Honour.
In his address, Prof. Nazir Ahmad Ganai praised the comprehensive course curriculum and the way the training programme was designed and executed. He commended the efforts of the organizing team and emphasized the importance of the emerging paradigm shift towards data sciences, noting that Remote Sensing and GIS are integral components of this transformation. He further highlighted the university’s commitment to integrating modern technologies for sustainable resource management and agricultural development.
Dr. M. K. Verma, in his remarks as Guest of Honour, appreciated the diversity of the participants who came from different parts of the country and represented varied backgrounds—from recent school pass-outs to working professionals. He encouraged the participants to apply the knowledge gained during the training to practical challenges in natural resource management and agricultural innovation.
Prof. Haroon R. Naik, Director Research, SKUAST-Kashmir, also spoke on the occasion and highlighted the active role of SKUAST-K in organizing advanced training programmes that promote capacity building and skill enhancement in frontier areas of science and technology.
The Course Director, Dr. Shabir Ahmed Bangroo, Senior Scientist, Division of Soil Science, delivered the concluding remarks. He expressed gratitude to the Hon’ble Vice Chancellor, Guest of Honour, Director Research, resource persons, and participants for their support and active involvement in making the programme a success.
The 21-day training included expert lectures, practical sessions, and field demonstrations covering Remote Sensing, GIS, GPS applications, land use mapping, watershed management, and climate-resilient agriculture. The programme brought together researchers, students, and professionals from multiple disciplines, enriching the exchange of ideas and experiences.
The event concluded with the distribution of certificates among the participants.