Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K) concluded its two-day 68th Meeting of the Research Council (RCM) for Rabi 2025-2026 on Tuesday at the Shalimar Campus. 

Vice Chancellor, SKUAST-K, Prof Nazir Ahmad Ganai, who was the chief guest at the event, delivered a comprehensive address centred on the strategic imperatives for the region's agricultural sector. He emphasised on the urgent need for a strategic and action-oriented approach to bolster the sustainability and resilience of agriculture due to mounting challenges posed by increasing climate variability and rising water scarcity in the region. 

Prof Ganai appreciated the contributions of the scientists in leading the University to the third-best State Agricultural University ranking. He further remarked that the institution has not grown in isolation; rather, its coordination and partnership with line departments and administration in the dynamic planning and execution of agricultural policy have played a pivotal role in its growth.

Director Research, Prof Haroon Rashid Naik, presented the university's research achievements and the action taken report on the agenda items of the previous RCM. He stressed on developing and deploying novel technologies and collaborative approaches to addres wide ranging issues from food safety, pesticide misuse and climate change. 

Secretary, Science and Technology Department, Dr Shahid Iqbal Choudhary, who joined the meeting online, gave inputs on the strategic priorities for research in Jammu and Kashmir and highlighted the need for submission of project proposals addressing critical issues like, good safety monitoring systems, AI-Powered research data banks, and reduction in pesticide usage. 

Various scientists from the university presented policy papers for deliberations. The key R&D policy initiatives included-SKUAST-K Data Research Bank, Herbal Technology, Residue & Quality analysis, Bio-inputs for regenerative agriculture, Micro-irrigation system, Reproductive Biotechnology, Protected cultivations, Fruit tree breeding for designer plants, and tissue culture to meet demands of planting material. Besides the heads of different Faculties, and Research Stations also presented their research achievements and future plans.

The RCM was dominated by discussions addressing the severe regional impacts of ongoing dry weather and climate change. Participants prioritized urgent research and policy changes, focusing on developing drought-resistant crops and implementing advanced water conservation techniques to counter growing water scarcity and safeguard the long-term stability of agriculture.

The council also reviewed the progress of key government initiatives like HADP and JKCIP. A critical segment of the session involved feedback from key stakeholders, including progressive farmers. Heads of various Development Departments, including Agriculture, Horticulture, Animal Husbandry, and Sericulture gave their remarks, ensuring alignment with the university's research agenda and field-level implementation. Expert members from allied institutions and universities, also offered their insights. On the occasion, nine publications authored by various university scientists were also released.