Excelsior Correspondent
Jammu, Jan 9: Prof. B. N. Tripathi, Vice Chancellor, SKUAST-Jammu called on Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, at Lok Bhavan, today.
The Vice Chancellor briefed the Lieutenant Governor on the progress achieved by the University in the areas of education, research, and extension, including major initiatives undertaken under the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP) and the J&K Climate Innovation Programme (JKCIP).
Prof. Tripathi informed that SKUAST-Jammu has been designated as a Centre/Regional Outreach Unit of the Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices (CACP) for Jammu. The Centre will facilitate the collection of region-specific data on crop costs, prices, and farmers’ issues, thereby strengthening evidence-based Minimum Support Price (MSP) recommendations and farmer-centric policy planning.
The Vice Chancellor also apprised about the sanction of an ANRF-PAIR IIT Bombay Hub project under the Partnership for Accelerated Innovation and Research (PAIR) for development of an AI-driven agriculture system aimed at enhancing farmer market linkages and operational efficiency, with a focus on traditional products, involving an outlay of over Rs 6 crore.
In addition, an ICAR-NASF project for genome analysis amounting to Rs 2 crore has been sanctioned. He further informed that the establishment of an AICRP Centre for Poultry Breeding at SKUAST-Jammu is at an advanced stage of approval, while regular centres for beekeeping and mushroom cultivation are under active consideration by ICAR. At present, the University is implementing externally funded projects worth approximately Rs 100 crore.
Rahul Sahai, Chairman, Indian Chamber of Commerce, Jammu Chapter also called on Lieutenant Governor and put forth several key issues pertaining to trade, commerce and industry sector.
Sahai discussed several key issues concerning trade, commerce, and industrial growth in the region, with special emphasis on safeguarding the interests of local and existing industries. He urged for the inclusion of pending applications taken by department under New Central Sector Scheme (NCSS) package and also advocated for the announcement of a new industrial package for existing and local industries on lines similar to NCSS benefits.
He raised the long-pending issue of Gair Mumkin Khad land and sought its early resolution, besides requesting further easing of labour laws through administrative simplification.
Sahai also highlighted public concern over delays in ongoing infrastructure projects, stating that untimely execution has led to traffic congestion and chaos across Jammu city, making it a major issue of public discussion. He further requested extensions of JDA leases for Fruit Mandi, Transport Nagar, and Bahu Plaza etc , and stressed the need for a people-friendly Master Plan with broader stakeholder participation.
Anayat Ullah Rather, Member, District Development Council, Frisal Kulgam also called on Lieutenant Governor.
Meanwhile, Members of Civil Society Group, headed by Mohd. Iqbal Ahanger, Chairman, OBC Welfare Association J&K UT called on Lieutenant Governor.
Subsequently, a delegation of Jewellers Association Jammu also called on the Lieutenant Governor.
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