 Early Times Report
JAMMU, May 1: A three-day National Conference on "Sustainable and Climate Resilient Agroecosystems: Innovations and Policy Framework" was successfully organized from April 28-30, 2026 at Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Jammu (SKUAST-Jammu), Chatha. The conference was jointly organized by the Indian Ecological Society (J&K Chapter), Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Jammu, and Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir.
The conference served as a vibrant platform for scientists, academicians, policymakers, agri-entrepreneurs, and students from across the country to deliberate on innovative approaches, adaptive strategies, and policy interventions aimed at ensuring sustainability and resilience in agroecosystems under the changing climate scenario.
On the concluding day, April 30, 2026, an invited lecture was delivered by Dr. Parshant Bakshi, Professor & Head, Division of Fruit Science, SKUAST-Jammu. His lecture titled "Sustainable Fruit-Based Agroecosystems under Climate Change: Integrating Innovation, Adaptation and Policy Support" highlighted the critical role of fruit-based production systems in enhancing farm resilience, improving nutritional security, and sustaining livelihoods in the face of climate variability.
Dr. Bakshi emphasized the integration of climate-smart technologies such as high-density planting, water-use efficiency techniques, protected cultivation, and organic farming practices. He also underlined the importance of diversification, use of resilient cultivars, and adoption of precision horticulture tools. Further, he stressed the need for strong policy support, institutional linkages, and farmer-centric innovations to ensure long-term sustainability of fruit-based agroecosystems. The session was chaired by Dr. Sanjay Kher, Director Education and DPM, who appreciated the insightful lecture and highlighted the importance of bridging research and field-level implementation. Dr. Vikas Tandon, Dean, Faculty of Horticulture & Forestry, served as Co-Chair and lauded the significance of climate-resilient horticulture in the region.
The conference session was convened by Dr. Vishal Gupta, while Dr. Vishal Mahajan and Dr. Vikas Gupta acted as rapporteurs, ensuring detailed documentation of the proceedings.
The lecture witnessed active participation from faculty members, scientists, and students of the Division of Fruit Science, along with delegates and eminent speakers attending the conference. The interactive session that followed fostered meaningful discussions on emerging challenges and opportunities in climate-resilient agriculture and horticulture. |
