GANDERBAL: Minister for Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs, Transport, Science & Technology, Information Technology, Youth Services & Sports, Satish Sharma, on Thursday inaugurated a Food Processing Laboratory at the Central University of Kashmir (CUK), launched an International Conference on Applied Artificial Intelligence and reviewed arrangements at the Mata Kheer Bhawani Shrine ahead of the annual mela.
The Minister visited the Green Campus at Duderhama, where he inaugurated the Food Processing Laboratory established under the Design Innovation Centre in the presence of Vice Chancellor Prof. A. Ravindranath, faculty members, researchers and students.
An exhibition featuring millet-based products, including cookies and other value-added food items, was also organised on the occasion.
During his visit to the laboratory, Satish Sharma inspected advanced facilities and was briefed on food processing technologies, value-addition mechanisms and research initiatives aimed at promoting sustainable agriculture and entrepreneurship. He examined equipment such as food pulpers and crushers for converting fallen fruits into pulp, autoclave units for sterilisation, dough sheeters, proofers, laminar air flow chambers and incubators.
Emphasising the need to connect scientific research with practical applications, the Minister called for taking innovations “from laboratory to land” so that farmers directly benefit from technological advancements. He stressed the importance of preserving agricultural land and leveraging modern technologies to enhance productivity, reduce wastage and create sustainable livelihood opportunities.
The Minister also visited the Design Innovation Centre, where students showcased innovative products, prototypes and traditional artworks. Appreciating their creativity and entrepreneurial spirit, he directed university authorities to explore avenues for commercialisation of student-developed products and facilitate market linkages.
Lauding efforts to preserve traditional crafts such as Namda, embroidery and Papier-Mâché, Sharma said Jammu and Kashmir’s rich cultural and artisanal heritage must be protected and promoted. He highlighted the importance of skill development and integrating traditional knowledge with modern technologies.
Later, at the Tulmulla Campus of CUK, the Minister inaugurated the maiden International Conference on Applied Artificial Intelligence. Dean, School of Engineering, Prof. Farooq Ahmad Mir, highlighted the significance of the conference in promoting research and innovation in emerging technologies, while Vice Chancellor Prof. A. Ravindranath released the conference proceedings and souvenir.
Addressing the inaugural session, Sharma said scientific progress must be guided by ethics, morality and public welfare. He urged researchers and institutions to adopt a solution-oriented approach to global challenges and develop AI-driven solutions in healthcare, mental health, agriculture, governance and public service delivery.
While underscoring the transformative role of Artificial Intelligence, he also stressed the importance of preserving indigenous knowledge systems and integrating traditional wisdom with contemporary scientific research.
Subsequently, the Minister visited the revered Mata Kheer Bhawani Shrine at Tulmulla to review arrangements for the forthcoming annual mela. He inspected facilities for devotees, interacted with pilgrims and officials, performed puja and assessed the preparedness of various departments to ensure smooth conduct of the event.
During the visit, Sharma also met several public delegations who highlighted local issues and developmental concerns. He assured them that all genuine demands would be examined and addressed in a time-bound manner through coordinated efforts of the concerned departments.
