Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences & Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-Kashmir) is hosting a second One Week Capacity Building Programme on “Forest Landscape Rebuild- An Integrated Approach to Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation”, scheduled from 27th to 31st October, 2025 for Indian Forest Service (IFS) officers nominated by Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change (Division of Research & Trainings), Government of India from different parts of the country.
Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo while speaking as Chief guest on the occasion appreciated the restructuring measures taken by the University in agricultural sector that safeguards economy, equity and ecology and declared SKUAST-Kashmir as a symbol of Sustainability & Innovation.
He also sensitised the audience in accepting their responsibility towards nature which will play instrumental role in mitigating the impact of climate change. The Chief Secretary emphasised that execution of any plan needs passion among executive class for sustainable and secured future.
He impressed upon the coordination between agricultural researchers and Indian Forest Officers for rebuild of Forest landscape, biodiversity conservation and various climate change mitigation measures towards restoring harmony between people and planet.
Atal Dulloo highlighted that IFS officers are no longer only tree protectors but are custodians of biodiversity conservation, landscape management, climate mitigation, watershed management and livelihood measures in forest biome.
Prof. Prof. (Dr) Nazir A Ganai, Vice Chancellor, SKUAST-Kashmir, valued the efforts of Shri Atal Dulloo in reforming the agriculture sector in Jammu & Kashmir through HADP implementation. The inaugural programme was attended by Directors, Deans, Registrar, HoDs and resource persons.
While briefing about the program, Course Director, Prof. Javeed Iqbal Ahmad Bhat, Head, Division of Basic Sciences & Humanities gave an overview of technical sessions that include interactions and collaborative work plans between agricultural intelligentsia and Executive leadership of Indian Forest Services to coherent agricultural minds and forest guardians for Forest Landscape Rebuild. Field visit to various biodiversity reserves and protected forest landscapes of Kashmir also forms the part of the programme.