First ever, transdisciplinary JK Agri-Med Science Congress begins at SKUAST-K

Srinagar, Feb 27: The first ever, JK Agri-Med Science Congress organised by Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir commenced Tuesday at the varsity’s Shalimar campus.

The three-day Science Congress themed ‘Reshaping Bioeconomy Towards One Health’, organised in collaboration with JKST&IC, Department of Science and Technology, J&K Government, and JK Research Consortium, is aimed to comprehensively deliberate upon existing food production systems and health care facilities to set out a road map for towards futuristic agriculture and future-ready health sector. a healthy society.

This event is the first of its kind initiative where experts from Agriculture and Medical Sciences are collaborating and converging their thoughts towards major objectives of societal development and One Health.

Commissioner Secretary, Department of Science and Technology, Saurabh Baghat, who was the chief guest at the inaugural function, praised SKUAST-K for its innovative initiative in bringing together experts from agriculture and medical sciences on one platform to discuss future-ready agriculture and medical health. He expressed confidence in receiving concrete recommendations from the science congress for reshaping Jammu and Kashmir's agri-economy and fostering a culture of startups and entrepreneurship.

Vice-Chancellor of SKUAST-K, Prof. Nazir Ahmad Ganai, expressed immense delight and honor in hosting the country's first transdisciplinary event, the JK Agri-Med Science Congress 2023-24. This event brings together experts from agriculture, medical sciences, biomedical research, AYUSH, and Unani Medicine to discuss and deliberate on select issues of regional importance, with the overall aim of reshaping the country's bioeconomy towards One Health.

Prof Tej Pratap, former Vice Chancellor, SKUAST-K; Prof MS Khuroo, eminent doctor and former Director SKIMS; Dr Sridhar Bhallamudi; Chief General Manager, NABARD; Dr Amesh Mithal; Padma Bhushan, Chairman and Head, endocrinology and diabetes, MAX super speciality hospital; Dr Zaheer Ahmad, Director General, CCRU, New Delhi; and Prof Mohammad Ashraf Ganai, President JKRC were also present at the inaugural event and addressed the joint session.

Prof Haroon Naik, Director Research, SKUAST-K, briefed the audience about the conference and informed about the school of public health soon to be started at SKUAST-K. Dr Saleem Khan emphasized the importance of collaborations and praised SKUAST for being the first university to take the initiative. Dr Mohammad Ashraf Ganai briefed the audience about JKRC and how a consortium of various specialisations could complement each other.

Dr Dil Mohammad Makhdoomi, Director Extension and Education, emphasized the need for amalgamation of all sciences for the health of humans, animals, and the ecosystem. He also informed the audience about the innovative idea pitching session at the conference where innovators could potentially earn grant money up to 25 lakhs during the conference. Dr Shridhar praised the University and informed the audience about an impending 55-56 crore research grant for the university. He also showed keen interest in virtual dissection labs, traceability resources and innovation centre coming up at SKUAST Kashmir.

Organising Secretaries of the Congress Dr Khursheed A Dar and Dr SH Baba presented the welcome address and vote of thanks.

About 850 delegates including prominent scientists from across the country, scholars and students will present their papers and research findings in the next two days.

The broader themes of the Science Congress 2023-24 include: New Age Digital Technologies, Green Economy, Natural Resource Management, Market Intelligence, Innovation Ecosystem, Program Highlights Medical, Pandemics & Life Style Diseases, Technology in Medicine, Integrated Medicine, Drug Discovery & Drug Economy, Public Health, Ecosystems & Animal Health and Hospital Administration.