![Vice Chancellor SKUAST-Jammu addressing delegates during the inaugural function of two days national conference at SKUAST-Jammu. Vice Chancellor SKUAST-Jammu addressing delegates during the inaugural function of two days national conference at SKUAST-Jammu.](https://cdndailyexcelsior.b-cdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Y-2-696x379.jpg)
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Jan 9: The inaugural function of two days national conference on “Plant Pathology in Human Welfare” and annual meeting of Indian Phytopathological Society (North Zone) were held at SKUAST-Jammu, here today.
Vice Chancellor of SKUAST-Jammu, Dr B N Tripathi was chief guest on the occasion. In his inaugural address, he emphasized upcoming collaboration for Dual Degree program with an Australian University, aiming to further academic excellence and international partnerships.
Furthermore, Dr Tripathi accentuated the role of organizations like ICAR and SAU (State Agricultural Universities) in feeding a burgeoning population amidst declining natural resources. He praised NARES (National Agricultural Research & Education System) for its robustness in fortifying India’s agricultural sector and stressed the importance of plant immunology research and tackling antimicrobial resistance.
Dr S K Gupta, Director Research SKUAST-Jammu, highlighted the significance of plant pathology in mitigating the impact of pest attacks and the pivotal role of biological control certified labs, particularly the one at SKUAST-Jammu.
Professor Anil Kumar, Dean of FoA, emphasized the crucial role of plant pathology in disease control, stressing its cost-effectiveness as a remedial measure by the scientists for farmers.
Being organized by the Division of Plant Pathology, SKUAST-Jammu, the conference commenced with the release of the Souvenir, followed by welcome address by Dr Amrish Vaid, Director Extension, SKUAST-Jammu.
Around 110 delegates from various national institutes viz., PAU Ludhiana, SKUAST-Kashmir, HPKV Palampur, Gwalior, University of Jammu, Central University of Jammu, etc are participating in two days national conference. All the statutory officers, Head(s) of the Divisions, faculty members, delegates and students were present during the inaugural function. Prof Moni Gupta and Dr Deepak Kumar, Co-Organizing Secretar(ies) were also present during the function.
Vote of thanks was delivered by Prof Sachin Gupta, Organizing Secretary of the conference. The proceedings were conducted by Pavleen, a student of Plant Pathology.