Srinagar, Aug 5: Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K), through its Directorate of Extension, today launched a month-long advanced training programme on "Soil/Silt Testing and Sediment Monitoring in Soil Conservation" to enhance the technical capacity of officials from the Jammu & Kashmir Department of Soil and Water Conservation in scientific soil analysis, watershed management and climate-resilient land resource management.
The programme has brought together 10 departmental officials for intensive training from 5 August to early September 2026, combining classroom lectures, laboratory demonstrations, field-based practicals and hands-on sessions. The training is being delivered by experts from the Division of Soil Science and the Division of Soil and Water Conservation Engineering, SKUAST-K.
Inaugurating the programme, Prof. Raihana Habib Kanth, Director Extension, SKUAST-K, said healthy soils form the foundation of sustainable agriculture, environmental conservation, food security and the promotion of natural and organic farming. She emphasised that scientific soil and silt testing, coupled with sediment monitoring, is critical for soil health management, watershed conservation and judicious nutrient management. Stressing the importance of continuous capacity building, she said such programmes equip field functionaries with modern scientific knowledge and practical skills to strengthen soil and water conservation, enhance climate resilience and promote sustainable agricultural practices across Jammu and Kashmir.
The comprehensive curriculum covers soil sampling and laboratory analysis, soil physical and chemical properties, soil moisture measurement, organic carbon estimation, soil erosion assessment, runoff measurement, sediment sampling and monitoring techniques, watershed management, infiltration studies, hydraulic conductivity, contour farming, water harvesting, and the use of modern instruments for soil and sediment monitoring. A strong emphasis has been placed on laboratory exercises and field demonstrations to ensure participants acquire hands-on expertise in contemporary soil conservation methodologies.
The programme is being coordinated by Prof. S. K. Raina, Dr. Mohammad Iqbal Bhat and Prof. Lyaqat Choudhary. By bringing together expertise from multiple disciplines, the initiative is expected to significantly strengthen the technical capabilities of field officials and contribute to more effective soil and water conservation practices across Jammu and Kashmir.