CUK’s botany deptt holds seminar on ‘Recent advances in science & technology for Agricultural Sustainability’

G’bl :Central University of Kashmir (CUK) Vice Chancellor, Prof. Farooq Ahmad Shah Tuesday said the rampant urbanisation has badly affected the agriculture sector as people are preferring employment in government and private sector as it provides ‘financial stability and security.’
“Moreover, owing to low agricultural returns, the number of farmer suicides have been increasing lately across the country which is a cause of serious concern for the policy and decision makers,” Prof. Farooq Ahmad Shah said in his presidential address, while inaugurating the two-day national seminar on “Recent advances in science and technology for Agricultural Sustainability, RASTAS-2022” organized by the Department of Botany, School of Life Sciences, and N-SERB at Nunar Science campus here from Tuesday.
Scientist G, former advisor, Department of Biotechnology, GoI, Dr.MenakshiMunshi was the Guest of Honour, while Finance Officer, Prof. Fayaz Ahmed Nika was the Special Invitee. Controller of Examinations, Prof. Farooq Ahmad Mir, Dean School of Media Studies, Prof.ShahidRasool, Dean, School of life sciences, Prof. Muhammad Yousuf, Dean School of Languages, Prof.Gayasud Din, Prof.Azra. N Kamili, Convener, Nodal Person, Deptt of Botany, Dr.Abid Hamid Dar, Co-convener, Director Science Campus, faculty members, senior functionaries, research scholars and students were also present on the occasion. Registrar, Prof. M Afzal Zargar joined the seminar proceedings through online mode.
In his online speech, Registrar, Prof. M Afzal Zargar, highlighted the pivotal role that Artificial Intelligence and Data Science may play in agricultural sustainability and climate change. He also stressed how forests have a role in overall agricultural development and the role of technology in making non-arable suitable for modern agriculture. Prof.Zargar also stated the role that such events may play in igniting young minds and scientists to explore newer avenues in development of sustainable agriculture.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr.MenakshiMunshi highlighted the role that the agricultural sector in the Indian economy. She narrated how the increased population coupled with the environmental change pose a significant problem and stressed on the conservation of the germplasm of native crops like apple and in developing collaborative projects addressing local issues.
Addressing the participants, Finance Officer, Prof. Fayaz Ahmed Nika stressed on how agricultural sustainability is of a concern not just for agriculturalists and scientists. But also has huge impacts on common man, industrialist, and economists as well. Prof. Fayaz stated the importance of the supply-demand ratio of agricultural produce and how modern technology can bridge the gap between the two.
In her welcome address, Prof.Azra N Kamili deliberated on how progress of scientific technologies like robotics, biotechnology, computer science, genome editing can lead to a significant improvement in yield of crops and fruits. She also stressed on the challenges that we currently face in improving food quality and yield.
In his speech, Dr.Abid Hamid Dar acknowledged the role played by Dr, MenakshiMunshi, in supporting different institutes of J&K working in the agriculture sector. He hailed the efforts of Prof.Azra. N Kamili in organising the 1st conference from the School of Life sciences and making it a success.
Dean School of Life Sciences, Prof. M Yousuf, deliberated upon the effects of climate change and mitigation on agricultural production of fruits and crops. He described the ill effects that pesticides and insecticides pose on human health and stressed on the use of bio pesticides and nanotechnology in control of different pests.
Organising Secretary of the seminar, Dr.Rafiq Lone in his remarks, said Guaranteeing access to food for a growing human population–based on sustainability criteria and in the face of the climate change threat – is the main challenge for 21st century agriculture. “The solutions require coordinated measures, and essentially, are dependent on the progress of science and the development of technologies to make more efficient use of available resources to increase crop yields,” he added. Ayman Altaf conducted the proceedings of the inauguration while Dr.Shaiesta Shah proposed the vote of thanks.