Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, June 5: Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences & Technology (SKUAST) of Jammu organized a webinar on “Agro-biodiversity: Conservation & Sustainable Utilization” on the eve of World Environment Day 2020.
Prof RK Gupta, Vice Chancellor, SKUAST Jammu welcomed the dignitaries, panellists and participants.
KK Sharma, Advisor to Lieutenant Governor of UT of J&K congratulated SKUAST Jammu for organizing webinar. He advocated area specific efforts for conserving agro-biodiversity keeping in view the diverse agro climatic zones of UT of J&K.
He emphasized upon the role of extension agencies including KVKs for creating awareness among farming community for conserving agro biodiversity.
He also advocated for the importance of biodiversity boards in management of indigenous diversity in plains, mid and high hill region of UT of J&K.
Prof SK Sharma, former Vice-Chancellor, HPKV Palampur said that biodiversity is very basic to human life as it provides a large number of ecosystem services for the well being of human kind. He laid emphasis on conservation of biodiversity in people’s participatory mode.
He talked about various biodiversity conventions and highlighted the importance of in situ conservation and sustainable utilization.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr Anand Sharma, Deputy Director General, Indian Meteorological Department and Head, Northern India gave overview of impact of climate change on biodiversity.
While addressing the participants, Prof RK Gupta, Vice Chancellor, SKUAST Jammu gave detailed description of biodiversity of field / horticultural crop, animals and microbes spread across different agroclimatic regions in North-West Himalyan region.
He also made reference of indigenous biodiversity at gene, genotype and ecological level in UT of J&K with focus on Basamati rice and other land races, coarse grains, local legumes, minor fruits, saffron, kalazeera and medicinal herbs.
Dr Surinder Gupta, Director Education, Dr SK Gupta, Director Extension, Dr. DP Abrol, Dean, Faculty of Agriculture, Dr MS Bhadwal, Dean, Faculty of FVSc. & AH, Dr SEH Rizvi, Dean, Faculty of Basic Sciences, HoDs of faculties and Scientist I/c KVKs & Regional Research Stations/ Substations were involved in the successful conduct of webinar.
Prof Sanjay Guleria, presented the vote of thanks, whereas Dr Pawan Kumar Sharma moderated the proceedings of the Webinar.
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