BEST STATE AGRICULTURAL UNIVERSITY

Volume 01 | Issue 11-12 | IDP-SKUASTK Newsletter | Nov - Dec 2020

NEW DIRECTIONSNEW HOPES

NEW MILESTONES

World-renowned soil scientist Rattan Lal

delivers online lecture at SKUAST Kashmir

PAGE 05

SKUAST-K holds 10-day event on ‘Soil Biodiversity

for Sustainable Agro-ecosystem Functioning’

PAGE 04

BEST STATE AGRICULTURAL

UNIVERSITY

SKUAST-K

RANKED

SKUAST Kashmir students shine in

ICAR AIEEA-PG 2020

PAGE 10

Toppers’ Speak

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Volume 01 | Issue 11-12 | IDP-SKUASTK Newsletter | November-December 2020 GRUCATIONMESSAGES

It is my sheer pleasure to share that Institu-tional Development Plan under the World Bank-ICAR funded NAHEP is under imple-mentation at the SKUAST-Kashmir for the last one and a half year now.The IDP of SKUAST-K is playing a pivotal role in im-proving the quality of education and imparting life, leadership, innovation and entrepreneurial skills among the student graduating from this universi-ty. The IDP of SKUAST-Kashmir under the NAHEP has similar goals to that of NEP 2020 in reorienting higher education to new dimensions in the country.I am delighted to share that SKUAST-K has been ranked as 9th best State Agricultural University in the country by the ICAR Accreditation Board, New Delhi, which depicts the educational, re-

search and extension standards maintained at this university. This congenial ecosystem has created an impact on the quality of graduates the university produces. The graduates of the university have bagged 38 positions among the top 100 students in AIEEA-PG 2020. NAHEP has significantly contributed to the students’ performance with the support of our teachers. The students and the teachers deserve great appreciation for this remarkable achievement.I congratulate all the teachers and scientists and students for the strides the university has made despite the prolonged lockdown due to COVID19. I also congratulate the IDP-NAHEP team of the university and its leader Prof Nazir Ahmad Ganai for their achievements under the project.

The Institutional Development Plan of SKUAST-Kashmir is aimed to transform the power of youth into the wealth of skilled, knowledgeable, next-gen leaders. Such lead-ers, who on one hand are tailored to harness the 4th Industrial revolution driven by Informa-tion Technology, Artificial Intelligence, Auto-mation, 3-D Printing, and bio-economy, and on the other hand are resilient to working in a multi-ethnic and multi-cultural society. Our vi-sion and strategy of IDP is in perfect alignment with the NEP 2020, which we have reflected in our document on “Parallelism between IDP-SKUAST and NEP -2020”. In pursuit of our vi-sion, SKUAST-K has made significant strides over the last 1 ½ years under NAHEP. We have improved our University ranking from 27th in 2018 to 9th best State Agricultural University in 2020. Beating the challenges of covid, our stu-

dents have excelled in the ICAR-JRF exam, se-curing top 38 ranks. We are promoting the new culture of student start-ups. Five of our student teams have so far earned the seed grants for upscaling their technologies. Two technolo-gies have been shortlisted under the 17th call of BIRAC for support under the BIG scheme.We have aligned with premier institutes like GIMI Israel, MichiganUniversity USA, WSU Australia, for capacity building of our faculty. Besides, deputing our faculty for training in overseas institutesI thank HVC Prof Mushtaq Ahmad for his sup-port and encouragement to the team NAHEP for continuously innovating for excellence. The NAHEP Team and faculty deserve special ap-preciation. All of the achievement in this News-letter is the outcome of the support received from ICAR under NAHEP.

I am pleased to know that SKUAST-K is bring-ing out regular Newsletters under the NAHEP outlining the progress and achievements and learnings from their activities under the proj-ect. SKUAST-K as an institution has made rapid strides during recent times in terms of overall indicators of academic and research achieve-ments and very well deserve to be a part of the national flagship program of ICAR on reorienting higher education in agriculture through NAHEP. During the last two years, SKUAST-K has im-proved its standing in NARES from 27th to 9th best SAU based on improved institutional in-dicators with significant attributions to NAHEP initiatives. University has heralded multi-front initiatives ranging from institutional reforms in academics, research and governance to im-proving innovation ecosystem, incubation, inter-national outlook, enhancing outreach, fostering national and international collaborations and increasing direct and spinoff impacts. SKUAST-K’s IDP is well aligned with the elements and philosophy of the NEP-2020 and some of the initiatives enshrined in the NEP-2020 are already under experimentation through IDP. University has introduced certain far-reaching initiatives that can be replicated at the national level such as the introduction of NextGen Transcript, In-novation and Incubation Center, AI & ML Cen-

ter which coupled with institutional reforms will make SKUAST-K a model SAU. I have been given to understand that NAHEP initiatives have led to improved student perfor-mance with a quantum jump in the number of JRF/SRF qualifiers (44 in 2020), fellowships and student innovation grants (IIGP/RKVY/KRITIG-YA) as well as better scholarly output from fac-ulty in terms of the increased number of high impact publications with appreciable citations and partnership with national and international research initiatives. The quantum of progress made in the period under report is more than satisfying and should inspire all partner SAU’s in IDP to harness the benefit of this national initiative. I firmly believe that riding on the suc-cess of NAHEP driven initiatives, SKUAST-K is poised to reach greater heights and provide a futuristic model of agri-education that is inno-vative, transformative as well as sustainable.I compliment Prof NA Ganai (PI) for providing effective leadership and his team for the dom-inatable spirit in implementing the NAHEP. This is especially commendable in view of COVID19disruptions in project implementation across India. The performance indicators of SKUAST-K in PME are a testimony to it. I wish SKUAST-K more success as an institution of higher learning under NAHEP and beyond.

Prof Mushtaq Ahmad

Vice-Chancellor SKUAST-K

Dr P Ramasundaram

National CoordinatorIDP-NAHEP

Prof Nazir Ahmad Ganai

Director Planning & Monitoring, and Principal

Investigator NAHEP-IDP

2

November-December 2020 | IDP-SKUASTK Newsletter | Issue 11-12 | Volume 01 GRUCATION

National hands-on training on machine learning conducted at SKUAST-K

A three-week national hands-on training programme on Machine Learning Technol-

ogy commenced at Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology, Kashmir from De-cember 15 with an aim to prepare human capital for the tech-driv-en job market and new-age agri-preneurship.

The online training programme has been organised by World Bank-ICAR funded National Agricultural Higher Education Project (NAHEP) for institutional development of SKUAST-K in collaboration with varsity’s Agromet Division. About 47 participants from across the country including students, schol-ars and faculty from various agri-cultural universities of the country are taking part in the three-week ‘Hands-on Training on Machine Learning: A Practical Approach’.

Vice-Chancellor, SKUAST-K, Prof Mushtaq Ahmad; Director, Plan-ning and PI NAHEP, Prof Nazir Ah-mad Ganai; Nodal Officer Agromet Division and course director, Dr Sameera Qayoom, HRM Consul-tant Prof FA Zaki and various heads, faculty members and students at-tended the inaugural session. The programme is being coordinated by Dr Razeef Mohammad, Dr Nav-eed Hamid Bhat and Falak Jan from IDP-NAHEP team of the SKUAST-K.

While speaking at the inaugural function of the programme, Prof Ga-nai said SKUAST-K has paced up the activities for the transformation of agri-education and linking education with future technologies, innovation, entrepreneurship and the new-age job market. “In order to compete and be at par with the 4th gen industri-al revolution, SKUAST K under the ambit of NAHEP is working with top national, international institutes and tech companies to infuse the innova-tive and tech-driven startup culture among students,” he said.

Sameera Qayoom, in her address,

said Machine Learning techniques are playing a vital role in every sector, including agriculture these days. “The implementation of AI &ML enable agriculturists to access increasingly sophisticated data and provide analytics tools, which help them in efficient and effective de-cision making for better yield and quality crop production, she said.

Prof Zaki, at the occasion, said given the rising demand for food, automation of agriculture is the

main concern as the traditional farming methods are not sufficient to fulfil the requirements, so there is an inherent and indispensable need for use of artificial intelligence in agriculture and allied sectors.

Various national and interna-tional experts on AI&ML are de-livering the training which aims to teach students the fundamentals of AI&ML and its real-time applica-bility in agriculture including data processing and analytics.

DR. RAZEEF MOHAMMADML & AI Expert

ER. FALAK JANAI-Expert

DR. NAVEED HAMIDBDA, IDP, SKUAST-K

SKUAST - KASHMIRNational Agricultural Higher Education Project

Shalimar Srinagar 190025 | [email protected], 0194-2461394

COURSE COORDINATORS

COURSE DIRECTOR

CO-PATRONPROF NAZIR AHMAD GANAIDirector Planning & Monitoring, PI, NAHEP SKUAST Kashmir

PATRONPROF MUSHTAQ AHMAD

Hon’ble Vice-Chancellor, SKUAST Kashmir

DR. SAMEERA QAYOOOMNodal Oficer, AMFU, SKUAST-K

Hands-on Training on

MACHINE LEARNINGA Practical Approach

15th December 2021 - 3rd January, 2020

National Online

3

Volume 01 | Issue 11-12 | IDP-SKUASTK Newsletter | November-December 2020 GRUCATION

SKUAST-K holds 10-day event on ‘Soil Biodiversity for Sustainable Agro-

ecosystem Functioning’

WORLD

World Soil Day

Sher-e-Kashmir Universi-ty of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir

Wednesday organised a 10-day event ‘Soil Biodiversity for Sustainable Agro-ecosystem Functioning’ from December 2-12.

The event was organised to com-memorate World Soil Day, which is held every year on December 5 across the world to focus on conser-vation and sustainable management of soil. A number of programmes, including webinars by international and national experts, debates, fac-ulty-scientist-student interactions, quiz, paintings and poster compe-titions, are being held on this year’s World Soil Day theme, ‘Keep Soil Alive , protect soil biodiversity’.

The 10-day event is conducted jointly by the Division of Soil Sci-ence, Faculty of Agriculture and Faculty of Horticulture jointly un-der the World Bank-ICAR funded National Agricultural Higher Edu-cation Project (NAHEP) for institu-tional development of SKUAST-K. About 1800 students and scholars from around 30 countries partici-pated in the international webinars

and other online components of the 10-day event through Zoom and google meets.

Vice-Chancellor SKUAST-K, Prof Mushtaq Ahmad, who was the Chief Guest at the Inaugural function, laid stress about preventing of land degradation, promoting soil con-servation and educating landhold-ers and the general public about sound land management, besides stressing on infusing the young-sters to pay attention for survival of soil wellbeing and to sensitize the public and farmers in general for soil health management.

Prof Ahmad assured that such events will help sensitize masses about upkeep of soil fertility and bring together governments, policy makers, scientists, NGOs, the media, youth and general public for protect-ing this important natural resource.

Director Education Prof MH Balkhi, in his address suggested to save our mother soil vigorously and religiously and said the conservation of the soil is not only essential for the survival of the human race but for the whole ecosystem.

Director Planning & Monitoring

and PI NAHEP, Prof Nazir Ahmad Ganai, in his address, emphasized on sustainable and resilient agri-culture aided by the new-age tech-nology especially in the post green revolution era. Prof Ganai also gave an overview of various programmes and activities held under the flag-ship IDP-NAHEP.

Prof Farida Akhter, Head Division of Soil Science dealt at length on the World Soil Day and its theme, and laid stress regarding awareness on launch of awareness among the peo-ple about protecting and pre-serving of soil flora and fauna for the overall health and vitality of soil for sustaining agricultural growth. Dr Javaid Ahmad Wani, Professor soil sci-ence; Dr M Iqbal Bhat, Asstt. Professor, Soil science also spoke on the occa-sion. Dr Shabir Ahmad Bangroo, Assistant professor conducted the proceedings of the inaugural function.

4


World-renowned soil scientist Rattan Lal delivers online lecture at SKUAST-K

10-day soil conservation awareness programme concludes

DAY

Internationally renowned soil scientist and 2020 World Food Prize winner, Dr Rattan Lal, de-

livered an online lecture on ‘Soil Biodiversity for Sustainable Agricul-ture Production System’ at Sher-e-Kashmir Agricultural University of Sciences and Technology, Kashmir.

The Indian American professor delivered the lecture online from the USA.

Dr Lal, distinguished univer-sity professor of soil science and founding director of Carbon Man-agement and Sequestration Centre at the Ohio State University-USA, was awarded World Food Prize 2020, which is considered equiva-lent to Nobel Prize in agriculture, for developing and mainstreaming a soil-centric approach to increas-ing food production that conserves natural resources and mitigates climate change.

Emphasizing on the restoration of soil health, Dr Lal in his lecture said that need of the hour is to im-prove soil carbon base. He said if the soils are not restored, crops will fail, and humanity will suffer. Earlier the

slogan was ‘more NPK’ for better crops but the future slogan must be ‘CNPK’ farming with importance to soil carbon, he added.

Dr Lal’s lecture was part of SKUAST-K’s 10-day soil conserva-tion programme, ‘Soil Biodiversity for Sustainable Agro-ecosystem Functioning’ conducted under the World Bank-ICAR funded Nation-al Agricultural Higher Education Project (NAHEP) to commemorate World Soil Day.

Speaking at the valedictory func-tion of the 10-day programme, Vice-Chancellor, SKUAST-K, Prof Mushtaq Ahmed, emphasized on spreading the awareness about soil conservation at the grassroots level to the farmers through the extension system and KVKs of the SKUAST-K, so that they can adopt the ways and means of protecting and nurturing the soil biodiversity at the field level to make it produc-tive and sustainable.

Prof Nazir Ahmad Ganai, Di-rector Planning and Monitoring, and PI NAHEP, while speaking at the occasion talked about the im-portance of soil conservation and assured full support to the Divi-

sion of Soil Sciences for any future endeavours.

Director of Education, Prof Syed Masood-ul-Hassan Balkhi, high-lighted the importance of soil biodi-versity for sustainable agroecosys-tem functioning.

Head Division of Soil Science presented the summary of the WSD-2020 event conducted by the SKUAST-K. She said 1866 partic-ipants from 31 countries partici-pated in the 10-day awareness pro-gramme, in which 10 international professors and soil scientists in-cluding Prof Rattan Lal, Prof Ingrid Kogel-Knabner, chair of soil science, Technical University of Munich, Prof Cheryl Simmons, Central Na-tional Technology Support Centre, USDA delivered lectures.

All the directors, deans of the fac-ulties, associate deans and HoDs participated in the valedictory func-tion. Dr Iqbal Bhat and Dr Shabir Ahmad Bungroo, assistant profes-sors of soil science coordinated the programme.

Student participants were award-ed certificates and mementoes for taking part in a painting competi-tion, debates and other activities.

5


3-month science writing workshop inaugurated at Faculty of Forestry

3-month entrepreneurship development programme concludes at SKUAST-K

With an aim to incul-cate entrepreneur-ial aptitude and

build business skills among the students of the universi-ty, Sher-e-Kashmir Univer-sity of Agricultural Sciences and Technology, Kashmir organised a three-month en-trepreneurship development and skill-building course.

The programme was con-ducted by the prestigious Lemon School of Entrepre-neurship in collaboration with the university’s Innovation and Entrepreneurship Cell un-der ICAR-World Bank funded National Agricultural Higher Education Project (NAHEP) for the IDP of SKUAST-K.

About 75 undergraduate and postgraduate students from agriculture, horticul-ture, fisheries, forestry and other streams of the univer-sity participated in the web-based programme, which was designed to train and de-velop entrepreneurial skills to enable them to take up entrepreneurship as a career.

An online valedictory function was held as the part of the concluding ceremony, which was attended by the SKUAST-K faculty and Lem-on School of Entrepreneur-ship officials, including Prof Farooq Ahmad Zaki, HRM Consultant, IDP SKUAST -K; Dr Farahnaaz Rasool and Dr Naveed Bhatt; members of LSE including Mukesh Ashar; Director & Chief Mentor, LSE, Deepak Menaria; CEO, Lemon Ideas, Lt Col Saurabh Shah(Retd), VP-Business Development & Partnerships, LSE and

Ashwin Korde, Programme coordinator, LSE, as well as the participants of the EDP

The valedictory pro-gramme started with a welcome address by Dr Far-ahnaaz Rasool, followed by a brief of the program shared by Lt Col Saurabh Shah (Retd), followed by Mukesh Ashar. A few par-ticipants then shared their feedback regarding the pro-gramme. Deepak Menaria and Prof Farooq Ahmad Zaki also spoke on the occa-sion. Lemon School of Idea hailed the SKUAST-K’s I&E

Cell for the smooth conduct of the programme.

SKUAST-K’s Director Planning & Monitoring and PI NAHEP Prof Nazir Ah-mad Ganai said the Entre-preneurship Development Programme would prove backbone towards strength-ening the entrepreneurial culture across the faculties and pave way for more such programmes in the future.

A ‘What An Idea’ contest conducted as part of the EDP, in which participants were divid-ed into groups and each group presented a Startup Idea before an eminent jury panel. Cash prizes of Rs 5000 each were an-nounced for the top five teams of the ‘What An Idea’ contest. The top three teams were giv-en direct entry in the Regional Round of Innopreneurs 2020, a South Asia level Startup Idea pitching contest currently un-derway and being organized by Lemon Ideas. Certificates were also announced for all the par-ticipants who had completed the program.

A three-month science writing workshop for students and scien-tists of Sher-e-Kashmir Univer-

sity of Agricultural Sciences and Tech-nology, Kashmir was inaugurated on November 23, 2020.

The workshop is organised by the uni-versity’s Faculty of Forestry under World Bank-ICAR funded National Agricultur-al Higher Education Project for institu-tional development of SKUAST-K. Well know science writer KP Madhu of Cur-rent Science is conducting the workshop, aimed at developing writing and analyt-ical skills of the participants.

Vice-Chancellor Prof Mushtaq Ahmad in his message asked for encouraging such workshops to promote scientific writing among faculty members and students.

Director, Planning and Monitoring, SKUAST-K, and PI NAHEP, Prof Nazir Ahmad Ganai, who was the chief guest at the inaugural function said there should be measurable outputs from these workshops in the form of concept notes, research grants and short com-munications from the participants to take this mission forward.

KP Madhu in his inaugural com-ments gave an overview of the workshop

defining the structure to be followed in enhancing the writing and technical skills of the participants. He described this event as an interactive than rather than one-way communication.

Prof TH Masoodi, Dean Faculty of For-estry, SKUAST-K in his welcome address described this workshop as a lifetime opportunity destined to bring results af-ter completion of the programme.

About 39 candidates had applied for the program, out of which 20 have been selected based on their writing skills. The inaugural session of the workshop was conducted by Dr Akhlaq Amin Wani.

6


FoF holds international webinar on microwave remote sensing

Dr Ninghthoujam of Imperial College London delivers talk on using microwave technology for vegetation properties

Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology, Kashmir organ-

ised an international webinar on microwave remote sensing for as-sessing vegetation properties by Dr Ramesh Ninghthoujam, a Remote Sensing Scientist at Imperial College London on November 20.

The webinar was the first of a lecture series organised by the SKUAST-K’s Division of Natural Resource Management, Faculty of Forestry under World Bank-ICAR funded National Agricultural High-er Education Project (NAHEP).

Vice-Chancellor SKUAST-K Prof Mushtaq Ahmad in his message emphasized to have such webinars on an emerging technology which could have a strong impact on bio-mass and agricultural productivity.

More than 100 scientists, students and faculty members from various intuitions of the country and abroad, including IIT Guwahati, JNU New Delhi, ICAR-IARI New Delhi, TNAU Coimbatore, KAU Trichur, Delhi University, NIT Hamirpur HP, Jamia Millia Islamia New Delhi, Banaras Hindu University, Indian Institute of Engineering Science And Tech-nology West Bengal, Anand Agricul-tural University Gujarat, Annamalai University Tamil Nadu, SKUAST-K, G.B.P.U.A.&T, Pantnagar, CSKHPKY Palampur, Dr YS Parmar University of Horticulture And Forestry Solan, Kashmir University, Cluster Univer-sity Srinagar, J&K Forest Department, HP Forest Department, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences and Paktiya University Afghanistan par-ticipated in the webinar.

Director Planning and Monitor-ing, SKUAST-K and PI NAHEP, Prof Nazir Ahmad Ganai in his message desired to have short term cours-es on remote sensing technology in collaboration with international institutes for enhancing the skills

of the scientists and students of the university. Dean Faculty of Forestry Prof Tariq Hussain Masoodi in his inaugural comments stressed to fo-cus on remote sensing technology for accessing the inaccessible. He encouraged to have collaborative projects aimed at assessing forest resources other than trees using ad-vanced remote sensing technology.

The talk was followed by an ex-haustive open question/answer ses-sion moderated by the convenor of the webinar Dr Akhlaq Amin Wani,

Associate Professor (NRM).Others who participated in the

program include Prof MA Islam (HOD, NRM), Prof PK Joshi (JNU), Prof KN Qaisar, Dr SNZ Geelani, Dr Tariq Rather, Dr Aasif Ali Gatoo, Dr Ashfaq A Mir, Dr Shah Murta-za Mushtaq, Dr Amir Farooq Bhat, Dr Megna Rashid Bakshi, Dr Irfan Rashid (Kashmir University), Dr Gowhar Nabi Parray, Dr Bilal Ali Khaki (JK Forest Department), Dr MajeedUl Hassan Chisti, Dr SA Ban-groo, Mudasir A Dada (JK DEARS).

SKUAST - KASHMIRNational Agricultural Higher Education Project

Shalimar Srinagar 190025 | [email protected], 0194-2461394

Faculty of Forestry SKUAST Kashmir

RAMESH NINGTHOUJAMRemote Sensing ScientistDepartment of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, Silwood Park Campus, Buckhurst Road, Ascot SL5 7PY, UKEmail: [email protected]

Microwave remote sensing for assessing vegetation properties

20th November, 2020 | 04:00 PM-05:00 PM (IST)

7


Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology, Kashmir organ-

ised an international webinar to commemorate the International Mountain Day on December 11.

Renowned agroforestry expert, Dr Swoyambhu Man Amatya, who is agroforestry coordinator of Inter-national Union of Forest Research Organizations (IUFO) conducted the webinar. His webinar was on case studies and personal experi-ences regarding successful plan-tation in the denuded and barren hills of Afghanistan.

The programme was organised by the university’s Faculty of Forestry in collaboration with Punjab Agri-cultural University (PAU), Ludhiana under World Bank-ICAR funded Na-tional Agricultural Higher Educa-tion Project (NAHEP) for institution-al development of SKUAST-K.

Vice-Chancellor, SKUAST-K, Prof Mushtaq Ahmad in his message emphasized celebrating the day for creating awareness about the im-portance of mountains in providing food and climate sustainability.

Director, Planning and Moni-toring, SKUAST-K and PI NAHEP, Prof Nazir Ahmad Ganai, who was the chief guest at the occasion cautioned about neglecting moun-tains in the wake of sustaining the ever-growing population and

livestock. He stressed to have a ho-listic approach in planting uncov-ered hills for conservation and en-hanced productivity.

Dean Faculty of Forestry Prof Tariq Hussain Masoodi talked about climate change and mountain eco-system in the context of J&K. He gave a detailed account of vegeta-tion dynamics in mountains of J&K under the prevailing climatic con-ditions. The participants had an in-teractive question/answer session with experts just after the talks were delivered. Dr Akhlaq Amin Wani, associate professor and Coordinator moderated the event.

The event concluded with the expert comments by Prof Sanjaav K Chauhan Deputy Coordinator IUFRO Agroforestry. More than 100 students and scholars from various universities and insti-

tutions from across the country, including SKUAST-K, PAU Ludhi-ana, University of Calcutta, Clus-ter University, Banaras Hindu University, Islamia College of Sci-ence and Tech, J&K Forest Depart-ment, Central Agricultural Uni-versity, Bihar, Bihar Agricultural University and others participated in the webinar.

Others who attended the program include Prof AzmatAlam (Assoc Di-rector SKUAST-K), Prof KN Qaisar (HOD, SAF), Prof PA Khan (HOD FBT), Prof MA Islam (HOD NRM), Dr PA Sofi, Dr GM Bhat, Dr SNZ Gee-lani, Dr Aasif Ali Gatoo, Dr Amerjeet Singh, Dr TA Rather, Dr AR Malik, Dr Sheeraz Saleem Bhat (ICAR-IGFRI), Dr Megna Rashid, Dr Shah Murtaza, Dr Amir Farooq, Dr Tahir Mushtaq, Dr NA Pala, Dr Maqbool Rather, AA Mir and Owais Bhat.

International Mountain Day commemorated at SKUAST-K

8


Agroment Unit holds 10-day skill development training on Crop Modelling

SKUAST-K holds online tree talk on lesser know plants of Kashmir

Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agri-cultural Sciences and Technology, Kashmir concluded 10-day skill

development course on ‘Hands-on Crop Modelling using DSSAT’ from Decem-ber 10-20 for the students and scholars of various agricultural universities from across the country.

The training was organised by the varsity’s Agromet Unit under World Bank-ICAR funded National Agricul-tural Higher Education Project for insti-tutional development of SKUAST-K.

Around 95 students and scholars participated in the training program from different Agriculture Universi-ties and ICAR Institutes spread across the country.

Internationally renowned resource persons gave hands-on training to the participants about all the compo-

nents of Decision-Support System for Agro-technology Transfer (DSSAT)

crop modelling and made them able to run the model during their practi-cal sessions.

Vice-Chancellor SKUAST-K Prof Mushtaq Ahmad, who was the chief guest at the valedictory function, stressed on holding more such pro-gramme in future for the skill develop-ment of the students.

Director Planning and PI NAHEP, Prof Nazir Ahmad Ganai, who was the guest of honour at the occasion, ap-prised the participants about the vari-ous initiatives taken for smart agricul-ture and artificial intelligence under NAHEP at SKUAST-K. A brief overview of the course was given by the Course Director Dr Bilal Ahmad Lone. Dr Sa-meera Qayoom, incharge head Agromet Unit, coordinated the course and pro-ceedings of the valedictory function.

Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agri-cultural Sciences and Technology, Kashmir organised an online tree

talk on lesser-known plant species of North-Western Himalayas with partic-ular reference to Kashmir.

The programme was organised by the SKUAST-K’s Division of Silviculture and Agroforestry, Faculty of Forestry in col-laboration with World Bank-ICAR fund-ed National Agricultural Higher Educa-tion Project (NAHEP).

Dean, Faculty of Forestry, Professor Tariq Hussain Masoodi, in his inaugu-ral comments, highlighted the impor-tance of tree talks and the role of Fac-ulty of Forestry. He also informed that faculty had already started research activities on wild fruit species and said different wild fruit species are presently grown at Benehama campus.

Vice-Chancellor SKUAST-K, Professor Mushtaq Ahmad in his message stressed upon the importance of wild edible

plants and need of research activities for conservation and propagation of less-er-known wild fruits of Kashmir Valley.

Director, Planning and Monitoring, SKUAST-K and PI NAHEP, Professor Na-zir Ahmad Ganai stressed upon the role of the Forestry Faculty for large scale production of wild fruit species.

OP Sharma, Ex-PCCF, delivered his talk on lesser-known tree species of Kashmir. During his talk, he suggested promotion of different edible plant spe-cies like Prunus tomentosa, Crataegus songarica, Elaegnus umbellate, Rubus

nivenus etc. He further highlighted the importance of 25 trees which need spe-cial attention in J&K. Dr Javeed Ahmad Mugloo, Senior Scientist, delivered a brief presentation on Under-utilized wild fruits of Kashmir. Dr Mugloo high-lighted the importance, uses, distribu-tion, chemical composition and yield of different wild fruits of Kashmir valley.

More than 30 scientists, students and faculty members participated in the tree talk. The programme was concluded by Professor KN Qaisar, Head Division of Silviculture and Agroforestry.

9


Sher-e-Kashmir University of Ag-ricultural Sciences and Technol-ogy, Kashmir under World Bank-

ICAR funded National Agricultural Higher Education Project (NAHEP) has taken up the challenge to develop model higher education system with a vision to generate the next generation human capital. It is aimed at develop-ing a knowledge-based and technolo-gy-driven agri-economy in the region.

Institutional development plan (IDP) of SKUAST-K under NAHEP is committed to organise events for the students in the realm of innovation, entrepreneurship and ideation in agri-culture and allied sectors to improvise their skill and creativity.

Under this realm, Faculty of Agricul-ture, Wadura in collaboration with NA-HEP designed a crash course and mock test series for under graduate students so that their preparation will get a boost and will be familiarised with the atmosphere of the various competitive exams like ICAR AIEEA.

The initiative was taken so that more of our students will qualify such exam. Crash Course for JRF examination was a capsule course for preparing the stu-dents in the short period of time. The objective of this crash course was to help students quickly revise the im-portant concepts studied in the un-dergraduate programme and to build skills for answering the questions quickly and accurately. Since the time was short, the crash course focused upon helping the student cover the entire syllabus and practice questions rapidly.

OBJECTIVES OF THE CRASH COURSE WERE:

1. To develop a new competitive

insight among the students and make them aware of the com-petitive atmosphere.

2. To devise and deliver a capsule course for entire undergraduate syllabi.

3. To boost the study methodolo-gy of students and give a strat-egy to complete preparation in shortest time.

4. To guide students to manage time effectively in the examina-tion.

5. To have interaction of students with experts.

During six months crash course, on-line live interactive classes were deliv-ered on Zoom and Google Meet apps by highly qualified experts where they taught students about the exam pat-tern, syllabi and what it needs for a stu-dent to crack such competitive exams.

The online exchange of crash course study material, power point presenta-tions, videos, assignments, audio files, scanned figures, etc were delivered to them in Google classroom. A series of ‘Meet the Toppers’ events, quizzes and mock tests were held in which multi-ple choice questions and short answer questions were asked to students. A to-tal of 26 quizzes and 15 mock tests were held in online mode during the course. Interaction and queries from students were encouraged. A WhatsApp group of the registered students was made to remain in regular touch.

MAIN ACTIVITIES OF THE CRASH COURSE:

I. Webinars for motivation, sub-ject lectures and ‘Meet the Top-per’ series and online interac-tion with resource persons.

II. Video Lectures shared by ex-perts and resource persons.

III. Study material shared by ex-perts and resource persons.

IV. Quizzes conducted during the course.

V. Mock tests conducted during the course.

The fruits of the initiative are already visible with 38 SKUAST-K students making it to top 100 ranks at all-India level in ICAR AIEEA-PG 2020.

SKUAST Kashmir students shine in ICAR AIEEA-PG 2020

Faculty of Agriculture organizes crash courses, mock tests

10


AABID HUSSAIN SHEIKH AIR-5 (JRF) Entomology

When metropolitan students can qualify, we can in fact do wonders. It has been a wonderful experience to prepare for JRF examination and at last to qualify with good rank. In fact, it is not what you achieve but it is what you become. I dedicate my success to my late father Sheikh Hameedullah Qadri. NAHEP, FoA Wadura under guidance of Prof Raihana Habib Kanth has been so instrumental in chiseling the student and preparing them for the competition. The series of motivational lectures by experts helped me in framing the best and efficient strategy.

AZHAR MEHMOOD AIR-17 (JRF) Physical Science

I qualified JRF just to break the stereotype of being not able to qualify this exam. I am very thankful to my parents and teachers who have been very supportive. The quizzes and mock tests conducted by the coordinators of JRF crash course have been very helpful in clearing the concepts and revising the subject in a very systematic way.

GOWHAR BASHIR AIR-54 (JRF) Physical Science

This exam has taught me that our university has a great potential of producing the toppers. Let this legacy pass on to next generations. JRF crash course under NAHEP has been very helpful especially mock tests, quizzes and motivational speeches by various experts and resource persons.

SHAHID MUSHTAQ (Rank-2) PG UET (SKUAST-K) General Agriculture

Everything is possible if you work hard, show dedication and sincerity in your work. All praises to almighty Allah for achieving good ranks in all of exams I had appeared this year. For this success credit goes to my parents and NAHEP platform. Crash course held by Prof Raihana Habib Kanth in our faculty has been so instrumental for grooming and encasing all of us in good figure.

11

TOPPERS’ SPEAK


SKUAST-K at forefront of national e-learning initiative A number of faculty members from the SKUAST-K have been selected as content creators, reviewers

and revisers in national e-learning mission under NAHEP. All-in-all 13 members from the university were selected for the NAHEP e-learning initiative from 2510 applicants from across the country.

Course RevisersS. No Name Course Name Division, Faculty1 Prof. Rohitashw Kumar Plastic Applications in

AgricultureCollege of Agricultural Engineering & Technology, SKUAST-K

2 D. Parvaze Ahmad Sofi Principles of Genetics Faculty of Agriculture3 D. Parvaze Ahmad Sofi Principles of Plant Breeding Faculty of Agriculture4 Dr. Tariq Hussain Bhat Freezing Technology Division of PHT, Faculty of

Fisheries, SKUAST-K5 Dr. Mudasir Manzoor Kirmani Information and

Communication TechnologyDivision of Social Science, Faculty of Fisheries, SKUAST-K

6 Dr. Mansoor Ahmad Rather Principles of Aquaculture Division of Aquaculture, Faculty of Fisheries, SKUAST-K

Content CreatorsS. No Name Course Name Division, Faculty1 Prof. Rohitashw Kumar Plastic Applications in

AgricultureCollege of Agricultural Engineering & Technology, SKUAST-K

2 Dr. SAJAD HASSAN BABA Fisheries Co-operatives and Marketing

Division of Social Science, Faculty of Fisheries, SKUAST-K

3 Dr. Rizwana Malik Fisheries Business Management and Entrepreneurship Development

Division of Social Science, Faculty of Fisheries, SKUAST-K

4 Dr. Mudasir Gani Immunology Faculty of Agriculture5 Dr. Mudasir Gani Molecular Diagnostics Faculty of Agriculture6 Dr. Mansoor Ahmad Rather Principles of Aquaculture Division of Aquaculture, Faculty

of Fisheries, SKUAST-K

Course ReviewersS. No Name Course Name Division, Faculty1 Dr. Shahzad Faisal Engineering Properties of

Agricultural ProduceCollege of Agricultural Engineering & Technology, SKUAST-K

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Name of Event Date Organiser No of participants

Webinar on “Entrepreneurship as a Part of Life” Dr. Satyajit Kittur, Director Mark Agri-Genetics Mumbai

1st Nov, 2020

I&E Cell IDP SKUAST-Kashmir

41

Webinar on “The Art of Creating Impactful Communication” by Dr. Dwarika Singh, MD ITSC Technology Pvt. ltd and Chairman, Agri-Business Consortium (M.P)

2nd Nov, 2020


39

Webinar on “Role of young generation to drive the Agri-Economy” by Dr. Gayatri Tandon, Plant Manager, Organics Sarweshwar Overseas Private Limited

2nd Nov, 2020


42

Webinar on “New Age of Agri-Entrepreneurship” by Mr. Umesh Chandra Asthana, Head Business Operations, REDOX Industries Limited

3rd Nov, 2020


34

Webinar on “Future in Blockchain Technology” by Mr. Venkat T, Architect in Blockchain Cloud Technologies

6thNov, 2020 I&E Cell IDP SKUAST-K

11

Online lecture series on “Machine Learning” 6th - 8th Nov, 2020

IFERP by I&E CELL IDP SKUAST-K

14

Webinar on “Opportunities in Agripreneurship” by Dr. Rakesh Singh, Prof & Head Agricultural Economics at BHU

8th Nov, 2020

I&E Cell IDP SKUAST-K

41

Webinar on “Innovative Interventions in Agriculture” Dr. R. Murugesan Former Director, Agri-Business Development, Tamil Nadu Agri Universit Coimbatore

11th Nov, 2020


38

Expert lecture on “Phenomics: A non-invasive method of crop phenotyping” by Dr. AkshayTalukdar, Principal Scientist (Genetics) ICAR-IARI, Incharge National Phytotron Facility

11th Nov, 2020

FoA&I&E Cell IDP SKUAST-K

56

Interactive session with the students of Faculty of Agriculture with ICAR-JRF qualifiers

11th Nov, 2020

Faculty of Agriculture

125

Webinar on “Entrepreneurship Opportunities in Agriculture” by Dr. Neelam Chaudhary, Deputy Director, Ministry of Agriculture, New Delhi

12th Nov, 2020


52

Pre placement meet for on campus placement drive (to be held on next week)

12th Nov, 2020


11

Webinar on “How to think Out of the Box” by Mr. Chalasani Bhaskar, Founder and Chairman, DHAKSHHIN Agro Polis Ltd.

12th Nov, 2020


31

In Brief List of activities held under NAHEP-IDP of SKUAST-K during November & December

13



Webinar on “Government Support for Agri-Sectors and Startups Schemes” 13th Nov,

2020

Centre for Innovation &

Agripreneurship (NIAEM)

23

Webinar on “Entrepreneurship Opportunities for Budding Veterinarians” by Dr. Andrew Mbithi, Food safety Specialist (Africa)

16th Nov, 2020


37

“On campus placement drive 2020” was successfully organized and aspirants/students from different streams faced the interview

17thNov, 2020

FoA& I&E Cell IDP SKUAST-K

45

Webinar on “New models of Agri-Business” by Mr. Dev Bhardwaj, MD FASCORP

18thNov, 2020


33

Webinar on “How to earn a Brand Equity” by Dr. Dushyant K Tyagi, Vice President Ikisan

19thNov, 2020


41

Webinar on “Protection of Plant Varieties in India and Farmers’ Rights under PPV and FR Act, 2001” by Dr. T. K. Nagarathna, Registrar, PPV & FR Authority, New Delhi

19thNov, 2020

DARS, Budgam and IDP-NAHEP,

SKUAST-K

40

International webinar on “Microwave remote sensing for assessing vegetation properties” by Ramesh Ningthoujam Remote Sensing Scientist Department of Life Sciences Imperial College London

20thNov, 2020

Faculty of Forestry and IDP-NAHEP,

SKUAST-K

101

Webinar on “Motivation and how it helps to develop Start Up Culture” by Dr. K K Kumar, Prof. & Head (Retd) Dr YSPUHF SOLAN, presently Associate Dean FoAShoolini University Solan

23rdNov, 2020

I&E Cell IDP SKUAST K

38

Three month long “Science Writing Workshop” 23rd Nov., - 23rd Feb,

2021

Faculty of Forestry and IDP-NAHEP,

SKUAST-K

25

Webinar on “FPO as best option for entrepreneurship” by Mr. Satbir Singh, Green FPO Haryana

24thNov, 2020


21

Online guest lecture on “Innovative Design Thinking” by. Hunny Bhagchandani, Founder TorchitElecetronics

25thNov, 2020

Incubation Center IIMU

with Wadhwani Foundation

12

Webinar on “Agripreneurship as new model of boosting Economy” by Dr. Gayatri Tandon, In-charge Organics SOPL Jammu

25thNov, 2020


31

Webinar on “Entrepreneurship and Start Ups” by Dr. S P Singh, Assistant Professor, BHU

26thNov, 2020


25


14



Webinar on “Formulation of Agribusiness DPR’s” by Dr. Anupam, DGM NABARD New Delhi/ In-charge Project deliberations for MOFPI New Delhi

28thNov, 2020


38

Webinar on “Intrinsic and Extrinsic Motivation” by Dr. Suparn Kumar, Professor, Business Studies, Jammu

28thNov, 2020


33

Webinar on “Risk Management during uncertainties” by Mr. Satish Gupta, CEO Green Farms Gujarat

30thNov, 2020


22

Webinar on “Why and How to be an successful Entrepreneur” by Dr. Dalip Raina, Skill Asst. Prof., Business Studies, HVSU Haryana

1st Dec, 2020


38

Ten (10) days international training and awareness program on “Soil Biodiversity for Sustainable Agro-ecosystem Functioning”. Following experts delivered there lectures as follows:• Dr. Cornelia Rumpel Research Director (CNRS),

Paris France on “Benefits and trade-offs of organic carbon sequestration in soils under grasslands”.

• Dr. Rattan Lal Director, Carbon Management and Sequestration Center the Ohio State University on “Soil Biodiversity for sustainable agriculture production system”.

• Prof. Ingrid Kögel-Knabner Soil Science Technical University of Munich on “Organic matter accrual as associated with mineral surfaces and their arrangement in soils”.

• Prof. S. S. Kukal MEMBER, Punjab Water Regulation & Development Authority Govt. of Punjab on “Re-inventing carbon cycles for sustainable soil health”.

• Dr. ArnabBhowmik School of Environmental Sciences, University of Guelph on “Soil microbial metabolism for sustainable and balanced nutrient management”.

• Prof. Asim Biswas School of Environmental Sciences, University of Guelph on “Integrated soil sensing and mapping for sustainable soil management”.

• Dr. DebashisMandal on “New initiatives and strategies for arresting soil erosion in India”.

2nd- 11th Dec, 2020

FoH& IDP-NAHEP, SKUAST-K

1800

Webinar on “Start-Up culture and need of awareness among the youth” by Dr. Zubair Ahmad, Director, Integrated Facilitation Centre UP

2ndDec, 2020


21


15



Agriculture education day” on theme “Improving Farming, Improving Life” 3rd Dec,

2020

Dean Student’s welfare & IDP-

NAHEP.

--

“World Soil day-2020” on theme “Keep soil alive, Protect soil biodiversity”

5th Dec, 2020


300

“Painting competition” on theme “Keep soil alive, Protect soil biodiversity”

7th Dec, 2020


200

Webinar on “Leadership and Motivation” by Dr. Suparn K Sharma, Professor, Business School Katra

7th Dec, 2020

IDP-NAHEP, SKUAST-K

24

Webinar on “Business Management Ethics” by Dr. Vikas Sharma, Asst. Faculty, EDII Ahmadabad

8th Dec, 2020

IDP-NAHEP, SKUAST-K

31

Webinar on “Study in Finland” by Prof. TimoTokola, Academic Director of the MSc. European Forestry Programme and Vice-Head of the School of Forest Sciences University of Eastern Finland, Ms. GargiTariyal MSc. European Forestry Graduate 2020 from India, Federal Forest Research Center (BFW) Vienna, Austria and Prof. Sanjeev Chauhan, Department of Forestry & Natural Resources, Punjab Agricultural University

8th Dec, 2020

Faculty of Forestry & IDP-NAHEP,

SKUAST-K

59

“Poster Presentation” on “Sustainable Agriculture for Agro-Ecosystem Functioning”on World Soil Day theme “Keep soil alive, Protect soil biodiversity”

8th Dec, 2020q


22

Webinar on “Soil Biodiversity for Sustainable Agriculture Production System”by Dr. Rattan Lal, Director Carbon Management and Sequestration Center Ohio State University, USA

9th Dec, 2020


300

Webinar on “Organic matter accrual as associated with mineral surfaces and their arrangement in soils” by Prof. Ingrid Kogel-Knabner, Chair of Soil Science Technical university of Munich

9th Dec, 2020


300

Debate on “GM foods boon or bane in relation to food security”

9th Dec, 2020


200

“Quiz competition” on World Soil Day theme “Keep soil alive, Protect soil biodiversity”

10th Dec, 2020


216

Ten (10) days Skill Development training program on “Hands on Crop Simulation Modeling (DSSAT)” 10th Dec,

2020

Agromet Field Unit-Shalimar, FoH& IDP NAHEP, SKUAST-K

92


16



“International Mountain Day 2020” in which Dr. SwoyambhuAmatya, IUFRO Agroforestry Coordinator Agriculture and Forestry University (AFU), Faculty of Forestry, KichandoMargaHetauda Nepal delivered an expert lecture on “Nothing is impossible: plantation program in Rustaq district of Afghanistan”.

11th Dec, 2020

Faculty of Forestry & IDP-NAHEP,

SKUAST-K

92

Three week National hands-on training on “Machine Learning: A Practical Approach” 15th Dec –

4th Jan,2020

IDP-NAHEP, & Agromet Field Unit

SKUAST-K

47

Six Days International Training Programme on “Conventional and Molecular Approaches for Crop Improvement under Changing Climatic Scenario”

14th - 19thDec,

2020

DARS, Budgam &IDP-NAHEP,

SKAUST-K

225

Webinar on “Introduction to machine learning and its application in industry”by Er. Monis Khan, CEO, Datoin, Bangalore.

15th Dec, 2020

I&E, IDP-NAHEP, SKUAST-K

47

Webinar on “Untapped Innovations in Agriculture”by Dr. Dawarika Singh, Chairman Agri business consortium Bhopal M.P.

15th Dec, 2020


25

Webinar on “Supervised vs. unsupervised learning, Different types of problems and their solution” by Mr. Muzaffar, AI and deep Learning Expert, Datoin, Bangalore

16th Dec, 2020


47

Webinar on “Supply chain vs. Value Chain in Agriculture” by Dr. Dalip Raina, Skill Assistant Faculty, Haryana Vishwakarma Skill University, Gurgaon

16th Dec, 2020


31

Webinar on “Role of Data Science in Modern Agriculture” by Dr. Muheet Ahmed Butt, Scientist D and Consultant Higher Education J&K PG Department of Computer Science, University of Kashmir.

17th Dec, 2020


47

Webinar on “Mathematics for Machine Learning-I” by Dr. MohsinAltafWani, Assistant Professor, University of Kashmir.

17th Dec, 2020


47

Webinar on “Digital marketing” by Dr. Murugesan, Former Director Agribusiness, TNAU, Coimbatore, India.

19th Dec, 2020


29

Webinar on “Mathematics for Machine Learning-II” by Dr. MohsinAltafWani, Assistant Professor, University of Kashmir.

19th Dec, 2020


47

Webinar on “Roadmap from idea to StartUp” by Mr. Satyajit Kumar, Director, Mark Agri Genentics, Mumbai, India.

20th Dec, 2020


37


17



Webinar on “Programming Concepts for Machine Learning” by Dr. MudasirMohd, Sr. Assistant Professor, South Campus, University of Kashmir.

21st Dec, 2020


47

Webinar on “Programming Implementation using Python for Machine Learning - I” by Dr. MudasirMohd, Sr. Assistant Professor, South Campus University of Kashmir.

21st Dec, 2020


47

“Mock test for JRF in Economics & Agriculture Extension”

22ndDec, 2020

FoA& IDP-NAHEP, SKUAST-K

53

Webinar on “Programming Implementation using Python for Machine Learning-II” by DrMudasirMohd, Sr. Assistant Professor, South Campus University of Kashmir.

23rdDec, 2020


47

Tree Talk on “Lesser Known Plant Species of North Western Himalayas with particular reference to Kashmir”.Following experts delivered there lectures as follows: • Mr. O. P. Sharma, IFS on “Lesser known tree

species of Kashmir Valley”.• DrJaveed A.Mugloo, Senior Scientist, Division

of SAF on “Under-utilized wild fruits of Kashmir Valley”.

23rdDec, 2020

FoF& IDP-NAHEP, SKUAST-K

40

“Mock test for JRF in Agronomy and soil Science” 26thDec, 2020

FoA&IDP-NAHEP, SKUAST-K

51

Webinar on “Practical Implementation of Machine Learning Algorithms – Clustering, K-means” by Mr. Muzaffar, AI and Deep Learning Expert at Datoin, Bangalore, India

26thDec, 2020


47

Webinar on “How to prepare Quality Data for Machine Learning Modeling” by Mr. DarshanAdiga, AI and Deep Learning Expert at Datoin, Bangalore, India

28thDec, 2020


47

“Strategy to crack ICAR-JRF in Entomology and Nematology” by Mr. AbidHussain, IARI, New Delhi, India

28thDec, 2020

FoA&IDP-NAHEP, SKUAST-K

86

Webinar on “How to be IBM Certified” by Mr. Sharat Chandra, Principal Data Scientist, DigiTMG, Hyderabad, India

28thDec, 2020


47

Webinar on “Machine Learning Algorithms using SK-Learn” by Mr. Muzaffar, AI and Deep Learning Expert at Datoin, Bangalore, India

31stDec, 2020


47


18


‘Animal Shelter and Rescue Appreciation Week’

IVSA holds webinar on animal rescue and rehabilitation

Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology, Kashmir held a

webinar to commemorate ‘Animal Shelter and Rescue Appreciation Week’.

The first full week of November is commemorated every year as ‘Animal Shelter and Rescue Appre-ciation Week’ as a way to honour animal shelters and the dedicated people who work to protect ani-mals.

International Veterinary Stu-dents' Association (IVSA), Kash-mir- a local chapter under the parent organization IVSA Global-

representing Kashmir on an inter-national platform in collaboration with the World Bank-ICAR funded National Agricultural Higher Edu-cation Project (NAHEP) organised the webinar on November 7 via Zoom Cloud. More than 100 stu-dents various colleges and SAUs of the country participated in the we-binar focusing on the importance of several aspects relevant to ani-mal rescue, animal casualties and emergency care.

Dr Syed Anjum Andrabi, a cert-fied livestock advisor, MANAGE, Hyderabad and ICAR, New Delhi talked about Animal Welfare and

Vetenerian, while Sanna Banday, Founder & Chairperson, Kashmir Animal Welfare Foundation talk-ed about rescue, rehabilitation and adoption.

The talks by the speakers were followed by a question and an-swer session, in which participants asked questions about different as-pects of animal welfare and rescue.

Dean Faculty of Veterinary Sci-ences, Prof Mohammad Ashraf Pal; HoD Veterinary Sciences, Prof Mu-jeeb R Fazili; and Deputy Director Research, SKUAST-K, besides office bearers of IVSA Kashmir were pres-ent in the event.

19


20

ISBT Student Award 2020

Sadiah Shafi

Sadiah Shafi, a PhD Scholar from SKUAST-K’s Division of Genetics and Plant Breeding, Faculty of Agriculture, Wadura was conferred with ‘ISPB Student Award 2020’ (second rank) by the Indian Society of Plant Breeders at the Centre for Plant Breeding and Genetics, Tamil Naidu Agricultural University, Coimbatore on December 13, 2020.

Social Innovation Challenge

Ahmer Bashir ShahAhmer Bashir Shah, Student of SKUAST Kashmir under the guidance of I&E Cell/ SKIIE Centre SKUAST Kashmir won first prize under social innovation challenge held by Keio University, Japan and Indian Institute of Science in the Urbanization category.Ahmer’s innovation to convert human hair waste and chicken poultry waste into NPK, amino acids and micronutrient-rich novel organic liquid fertilizer has also won him a cash prize of Rs 50,000 and the jury’s praise.

Startup idea pitching contest

Tahir NazirTahir Nazir, a PhD student of SKUAST-K’s Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, got the third rank at Idea Pitching Competition 2020’ of IIED Centre, NIT Srinagar for his startup idea of ‘Chicken Bite’. He was awarded a cash prize and certificate.

AWARDS & FELLOWSHIPS

BEST STATE AGRICULTURAL UNIVERSITY

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