Srinagar: Agriculture Minister Javid Ahmad Dar on Thursday called for promoting climate-resilient crop varieties and strengthening science-led crop protection to address changing weather patterns and emerging plant diseases in Jammu and Kashmir.
Addressing the 43rd Annual National Convention of the Indian Society of Mycology and Plant Pathology (ISMPP) at the University of Kashmir (KU), Dar said several apple varieties commonly grown in the Valley a decade or two ago were no longer found, highlighting changes in horticultural practices and the need to identify crops suited to evolving climatic conditions.
He stressed the importance of research and practical interventions to help farmers adapt to changing weather patterns, manage crop diseases and sustain agricultural production.
The minister also highlighted the government’s Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP), describing it as a significant initiative to support the agricultural sector. He said financial assistance and a strong support system were necessary to make agriculture and horticulture more viable and sustainable.
The three-day convention, being held from October 29 to 31, is jointly organised by the Department of Botany at KU and ISMPP, in collaboration with Rajasthan College of Agriculture, Maharana Pratap University of Agriculture and Technology, Udaipur. This year’s theme is “Advances and Challenges in Plant Pathology under Climate-Resilient Agriculture.”
KU Vice-Chancellor Prof. Nilofer Khan, the guest of honour, said the theme was particularly relevant amid climate change, emerging plant diseases, declining soil health and concerns over food security and environmental sustainability.
She highlighted the importance of apple, saffron, walnut and other high-value crops to Jammu and Kashmir’s economy, and stressed the potential of molecular diagnostics, genomics, microbiome research, artificial intelligence and digital disease forecasting in plant health management.
Khan also called for greater use of biological control, microbial bio-formulations and integrated disease management, alongside stronger collaboration among universities, research institutions, industry, government agencies and farming communities to translate scientific research into practical solutions for growers.
Dr K. L. Gujar, Joint Director, Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), New Delhi, and Prof. S. S. Chahal, president of ISMPP and former vice-chancellor of Punjab Agricultural University and Maharana Pratap University of Agriculture and Technology, also addressed the inaugural session. ISMPP Secretary Dr Pokhar Rawal spoke about the convention.
During the event, Dr Suresh Pande was conferred the ISMPP’s Chahal Lifetime Achievement Award, and a souvenir was released.
The convention features scientific sessions on frontiers in plant pathology; resilient agriculture and climate-smart disease management; and sustainable disease management, soil health and advanced technologies. The programme includes lectures, technical and poster sessions, student competitions, award lectures, a panel discussion and a valedictory function.
Prof. Aijaz Ahmad Wani, head of KU’s Department of Botany and convener of the convention, delivered the welcome address. Prof. Mohd. Yaqub Bhat, the organising secretary, presented the opening remarks, while Prof. Anzar Ahmad Khuroo conducted the inaugural proceedings.
