JAMMU: A series of delegations and dignitaries called on Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha at Lok Bhavan today, discussing issues related to education, agriculture, local governance, trade, industry, and social welfare.
Vice Chancellor of SKUAST–Jammu, Prof. B. N. Tripathi, briefed the Lieutenant Governor on the University’s progress in education, research, and extension activities. He highlighted key initiatives 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, aimed at strengthening evidence-based Minimum Support Price (MSP) recommendations through region-specific data on crop costs, prices, and farmers’ issues.
He also apprised the Lieutenant Governor about the sanction of an ANRF-PAIR IIT Bombay Hub project worth over Rs 6 crore for the development of an AI-driven agriculture system to enhance farmer market linkages and operational efficiency, with a focus on traditional products. Additionally, an ICAR-NASF genome analysis project amounting to Rs 2 crore has been approved. Prof. Tripathi further informed that the establishment of an AICRP Centre for Poultry Breeding at SKUAST–Jammu is at an advanced stage, while regular centres for beekeeping and mushroom cultivation are under consideration by ICAR. At present, the University is implementing externally funded projects worth approximately Rs 100 crore.
Earlier, Anayat Ullah Rather, Member, District Development Council, Frisal Kulgam, also called on the Lieutenant Governor.
In another meeting, Rahul Sahai, Chairman, Indian Chamber of Commerce, Jammu Chapter, met the Lieutenant Governor and raised several issues pertaining to trade, commerce, and the industry sector.
Later, members of a Civil Society Group led by Mohd. Iqbal Ahanger, Chairman, OBC Welfare Association J&K UT, called on the Lieutenant Governor. Subsequently, a delegation of the Jewellers Association Jammu also met the Lieutenant Governor and discussed matters concerning their sector.
