Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Nov 2: Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (SKUAST)-Jammu celebrated its 23rd Foundation Day.
Sham Lal Sharma, Ex-Minister was chief guest on the occasion and Prof JP Sharma, Vice-Chancellor of the university presided over the function.
In his address, Sham Lal Sharma advocated for multidimensional approach for promoting sustainable agriculture. He stressed upon exploitation and exploration of horticulture, floriculture, apiculture and olericulture.
The Vice Chancellor in his presidential address said that SKUAST-Jammu has made rapid strides since its birth in 1999. Prof. Sharma said that our focus is on specialty agriculture. He advocated for the promotion of location specific commodities.
He reiterated that J&K has immense scope and potential in poultry, dairying and organic farming. He informed that J& K has diverse climate ranging from sub tropical to temperate. Hence, cultivation of niche crops such as Kala Jeera, Saffron and mushroom should be promoted as these crops are in high demand in the country and abroad and also fetch good returns to the farmers. Vice Chancellor also stressed on increasing the area, production and productivity of oilseeds in UT.
On the occasion, Foundation Day lecture on ‘Speciality agriculture for enhancing income and livelihood options” was delivered through online mode by Dr Sanjay Kumar, Director, CSIR IHBT, Palampur. Diwali Mela was also organized where stalls of various products were displayed by the University students, FPO farmers and agri-start ups.
Earlier, Dr Jag Paul Sharma, Director Research and Registrar, SKUAST-Jammu presented the welcome address.
A Friendship Cricket Match was also played between Chatha and RS Pura Campuses of SKUAST-Jammu. Cultural Programme was also organized in which students, faculty members and wards of faculty members participated enthusiastically. Besides, scientists, students and farmers were also felicitated with awards for their outstanding contribution. The University also accorded a warm farewell to the superannuating employees Asha Tukra, Munshi Ram, Sham Lal, Lal Hussain and Tilak Raj at a function held at Baba Jitto Auditorium.
Statutory officers of the University, Head of the Divisions, scientists, non-teaching staff members and students were present during the occasion.
Vote of thanks was presented by Dr SEH Rizvi, Director Education while the proceedings were conducted by Dr Vinod Gupta and Dr Vivak M Arya.
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