Srinagar : The Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K) on Monday concluded a month-long capacity-building programme focused on “Soil/Silt Testing and Sediment Monitoring in Soil Conservation” for officials from the Department of Soil and Water Conservation in Jammu and Kashmir.
The training, which began on August 5, 2026, involved ten departmental officials and aimed to enhance their scientific knowledge, technical skills, and practical competencies in various aspects of soil and water conservation. During the valedictory session, Prof. Raihana Habib Kanth, Director Extension at SKUAST-K, underscored the significance of effective soil and water management for sustainable agriculture and environmental protection. She highlighted the necessity of ongoing capacity building to equip officials with the skills needed to tackle challenges such as land degradation, soil erosion, water scarcity, and climate change. Prof. Kanth encouraged participants to apply their newly acquired knowledge in practical field interventions, expressing confidence that their enhanced capabilities would bolster soil and water conservation efforts in the region.
The programme featured a comprehensive curriculum that included classroom instruction, laboratory demonstrations, field visits, and hands-on training. Participants gained valuable experience in soil sampling and analysis, assessment of soil properties, moisture measurement, organic carbon estimation, and sediment monitoring, among other topics. The training was delivered by experts from SKUAST-K’s Division of Soil Science and Division of Soil and Water Conservation Engineering, ensuring a robust connection between theoretical concepts and practical applications. Participants expressed their appreciation for the programme’s design and the practical exposure it provided, believing it would significantly improve the effectiveness of soil and water conservation initiatives in their respective areas.
