SRINAGAR: Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K) on Wednesday launched a month-long advanced training programme to enhance the technical skills of officials from the Jammu and Kashmir Department of Soil and Water Conservation in soil analysis, sediment monitoring and watershed management.
According to the university, 10 departmental officials are participating in the programme, which combines classroom lectures, laboratory demonstrations, field exercises and practical sessions. Experts from the Division of Soil Science and the Division of Soil and Water Conservation Engineering are conducting the training.
Speaking at the inaugural session, Director Extension Prof Raihana Habib Kanth said scientific soil and silt testing, along with sediment monitoring, plays an important role in soil health management, watershed conservation and sustainable agricultural practices. She stressed the need for continuous capacity building to equip field functionaries with modern scientific knowledge and practical skills.
The training covers soil sampling and laboratory analysis, soil moisture measurement, organic carbon estimation, soil erosion assessment, runoff measurement, sediment monitoring, watershed management, infiltration studies, hydraulic conductivity, contour farming, water harvesting and the use of modern instruments for soil and sediment monitoring.
The programme is being coordinated by Prof S. K. Raina, Dr Mohammad Iqbal Bhat and Prof Lyaqat Choudhary, the university said.
