Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, May 31: A Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) was signed between the Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology- Kashmir (SKUA-ST-K) and M/s Soft Biotech Private Limited, New Delhi, in the presence of Governor N.N. Vohra, Chancellor of the University, at the Raj Bhavan.
As per this Agreement, signed by Dr. M.Y. Zargar, Director Research SKUAST-K and Neeraj Vashisth, Managing Director, Soft Bio Pharma Pvt. Ltd, New Delhi, the latter company will undertake commercial production of footrot vaccine.
The Division of Veterinary Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, which has pioneered the development of footrot vaccine has concluded Agreement with M/s Soft Biotech Private Limited, which is a new startup in the field of bio-technological products related with agriculture, for the commercial production and marketing of the vaccine.
Governor lauded the efforts of the University in developing this vaccine which will be useful for containing the problem of footrot disease among the sheep and goat population in J&K and other states from where this disease has been reported. He complimented Prof. Nazeer Ahmed, Vice Chancellor, Dr. M.Y. Zargar, Director Research; Dr. Shakeel Wani, Director Education; and members of the Farm University team of scientists for the development of this important vaccine.
He stressed the crucial importance of Farm University taking up research projects for resolving and finding solutions to the varied problems faced in the agricultural production arena. He observed that besides awarding degrees the Universities should also produce inventors and researchers of excellence.
Umang Narula, Principal Secretary to the Governor; Dr. Mushtaq Ahmad, Director Extension SKUAST-K; Dr. Sarfaraz Ahmad, Dean Veterinary Sciences; Dr. Zahid Kasho, Associate Scientist were present on the occasion, among others.