Srinagar : Javid Ahmad Dar, the Minister for Agriculture Production, Finance, Mining, and Cooperative on Thursday attended the 43rd Annual National Convention of the Indian Society of Mycology and Plant Pathology (ISMPP) as Chief Guest at the University of Kashmir.
The convention, themed “Advances and Challenges in Plant Pathology under Climate-Resilient Agriculture,” runs from October 29 to 31 and is co-organized by the University’s Department of Botany and ISMPP, along with Rajasthan College of Agriculture. In his address, Minister Dar highlighted the decline of several apple varieties in Kashmir over the past decades, attributing this to changing horticultural practices and climate conditions. He emphasized the necessity of identifying and promoting economically viable and climate-resilient crops to address the challenges posed by shifting weather patterns and disease pressures, which significantly impact agriculture and horticulture in Jammu and Kashmir. He also introduced the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP) as a pioneering initiative aimed at enhancing the sustainability and viability of agricultural practices through financial support and a robust assistance framework. Vice-Chancellor of the University of Kashmir, Prof. Nilofer Khan, underscored the relevance of the convention’s theme in light of climate change, emerging plant diseases, and food security concerns, particularly in the context of high-value crops like apples and saffron in the region. She advocated for the integration of advanced technologies such as molecular diagnostics and artificial intelligence in plant health management, alongside collaborative efforts among various stakeholders to deliver research-based solutions to farmers. The inaugural session featured notable addresses from Dr. K. L. Gujar of ICAR and Prof. S. S. Chahal, President of ISMPP. The event also recognized Dr. Suresh Pande with the ISMPP’s Chahal Lifetime Achievement Award. The convention includes a diverse program with scientific themes focusing on plant pathology, resilient agriculture, and sustainable disease management, featuring lectures, technical sessions, and discussions aimed at fostering innovation and collaboration in the field.
