Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, July 16: Under the guidance of Prof B N Tripathi, Vice Chancellor, Sher-e- Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology-Jammu, interactive session was organized by Dr Sanjay Guleria, Dean, with faculty members of Basic Sciences on “Knowledge exchange on urban, organic, and hydroponic crop-growing techniques” in the Division of Plant Physiology.
The event was graced by Lt Gen. Anuprinder Bevli, Additional Director General (ADG), and Mrs Bevli, along with all HoDs while students, teaching and non-teaching staff of faculty of Basic Sciences were present.
Dr Gurdev Chand (Professor & Head, Division of Plant Physiology) focused on introducing advanced, space-efficient agricultural practices suited for urban and peri-urban environments, with in-depth discussions comparing organic farming and hydroponic systems.
Faculty members presented key insights into container-based organic farming, Nutrient Film Technique (NFT), aeroponics, and aquaponics, emphasizing innovations in water-use efficiency, nutrient management, and biosecurity.
The delegation also toured the university’s hydroponic demonstration units, including Dutch bucket and vertical tower systems, and witnessed practical demonstrations on nutrient mixing, pH monitoring and maintenance protocols. An interactive discussion explored the scalability and commercial viability of these systems, during which Lt Gen Bevli emphasized the importance of cost-benefit analysis for urban entrepreneurs, while Bevli advocated for inclusive capacity-building initiatives.
In response, Dr Gurdev Chand proposed a two-week certificate course titled “Urban and Soilless Farming Technologies,” to be jointly hosted by SKUAST-Jammu and the ADG’s office. The session concluded with key outcomes: in-principle approval for establishing demonstration units under ADG oversight, commitment to the new certificate program, and a follow-up meeting within a month to finalize project details.
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