Srinagar : The Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K) has initiated a month-long advanced training program focused on “Soil/Silt Testing and Sediment Monitoring in Soil Conservation.”
The initiative aims to enhance the technical skills of officials from the Jammu & Kashmir Department of Soil and Water Conservation in areas such as scientific soil analysis, watershed management, and climate-resilient land resource management. The program, which runs from August 5 to early September 2026, includes ten departmental officials and features a blend of classroom lectures, laboratory demonstrations, and practical field sessions, all conducted by experts from SKUAST-K. During the inauguration, Prof. Raihana Habib Kanth, Director of Extension at SKUAST-K, highlighted the critical role of healthy soils in sustainable agriculture, environmental conservation, and food security. She underscored the importance of scientific soil and silt testing and sediment monitoring for effective soil health management and watershed conservation. The program is designed to continuously build capacity among field functionaries, equipping them with modern scientific knowledge and practical skills necessary for enhancing climate resilience and promoting sustainable agricultural practices in the region. The curriculum encompasses a wide range of topics, including soil sampling, laboratory analysis, assessment of soil properties, moisture measurement, organic carbon estimation, and sediment monitoring techniques. It also covers watershed management practices such as contour farming and water harvesting, with a strong focus on hands-on laboratory exercises and field demonstrations. Coordinated by Prof. S. K. Raina, Dr. Mohammad Iqbal Bhat, and Prof. Lyaqat Choudhary, this program aims to significantly bolster the technical capabilities of field officials, thereby improving soil and water conservation efforts throughout Jammu and Kashmir.
