KU hosts int’l conference on plant resilience, climate change
Srinagar : The University of Kashmir’s Department of Botany on Monday inaugurated a two-day international conference titled “Plant Resilience in a Changing Climate: From Molecules to Ecosystem.”
This event aims to address the challenges posed by climate change on plants, agriculture, and ecosystems, particularly in vulnerable regions like the Himalayas. Organized in collaboration with Penn State University and supported by the Ministry of Education’s SPARC initiative, the conference serves as a platform for knowledge exchange and research on plant resilience.
Addressing the inaugural session, Vice-Chancellor Prof. Nilofer Khan emphasized the urgent need for scientific and societal responses to climate change, highlighting the responsibility of universities to generate knowledge that aids community and ecosystem adaptation. She pointed out the Himalayan region’s ecological sensitivity and the necessity for focused research on plant resilience and ecosystem stability, advocating for the translation of scientific findings into practical interventions.
Dean of Research Prof. Bashir Ahmad Ganai discussed the broader implications of climate change, stressing the importance of rigorous scientific research to understand environmental variations and their consequences. Dr. Mahendra Kumar Verma, Director of the Central Institute of Temperate Horticulture, noted observable changes in crop biological calendars linked to climate change, calling for updated agricultural practices and the integration of technology to address these challenges. Conference Convener Prof. Manzoor Ahmad Shah highlighted the importance of connecting plant resilience research across various biological levels to effectively respond to climate change. The conference features a range of activities, including keynote lectures, scientific sessions, and student interactions, aimed at fostering interdisciplinary approaches to climate sustainability.
