Future of 70% population dependent on agriculture will be secured: LG

Srinagar, June 5: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha Wednesday said that the government was committed to securing the future of 70 percent population dependent on agriculture and its allied sectors.

Inaugurating key infrastructure projects including Shalimar Convention Centre, Kohimaran Hostel, and Discovery Building and launching the new academic programmes of Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology, Kashmir (SKUAST-K), the LG reiterated the commitment of the J&K administration to secure the future of 70 percent population dependent on agriculture and allied sectors.

He said the new Discovery Building would provide facilities for Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) to students and is crucial to achieve the vision of developing sustainable agriculture technologies to improve farmers' income.

LG Sinha commended SKUAST-K for adding innovation and entrepreneurship in its academic programmes and creating an ecosystem of innovations.

He said the new academic undergraduate and postgraduate courses launched on Wednesday would build a skilled-trained human resource for agro-based industry and agri-tourism in the future.

“SKUAST-K is poised to emerge as a top innovation-led farm university in the country to transform subsistence and low enumerative agriculture into a technology driven agri-economy,” the LG said. “The university has earned 25 patents in the past 4 years and established 26 startups of which 17 are registered as private limited companies.  In collaboration with IIT Mandi, SKUAST-K is also starting a B Tech Artificial Intelligence course this year.”

He highlighted the significant contribution of the farming community and all the stakeholders associated with agriculture and allied sector in nation building.

“Today, all the facilities and technologies like drones, AI, ML, Internet of Things (IoT), and blockchain are being made available to empower our youth to realise the potential of agriculture and food processing sector in Jammu and Kashmir,” LG Sinha said.

He also applauded the Vice Chancellor, faculty members, and students of SKUAST-K in the implementation of the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP).

The LG sought their cooperation in further strengthening the ecosystem of agro-based industries and increasing the income of farmers.

He also unveiled the SKUAST-K’s working model of National Education Policy-2020, and planted a tree sapling on the university premises.

Vice Chancellor SKUAST-K, Prof Nazir Ahmed Ganai was also present on the occasion.