The Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences & Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-Kashmir) is hosting a one-week capacity building program on “Forest Landscape Rebuild- An Integrated Approach to Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation” from October 27 to 31, 2025. The program is specifically designed for Indian Forest Service (IFS) officers nominated by the Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change, Government of India. The program aims to bring together agricultural researchers and IFS officers to work towards rebuilding forest landscapes, conserving biodiversity, and mitigating the effects of climate change.
The program was inaugurated by Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo, who appreciation the university’s efforts in restructuring the agricultural sector to prioritize economy, equity, and ecology. He emphasized the importance of coordination between agricultural researchers and IFS officers in achieving a sustainable and secured future. Dulloo also highlighted the evolving role of IFS officers, who are no longer just tree protectors but also custodians of biodiversity conservation, landscape management, and climate mitigation.
Prof. Nazir A Ganai, Vice Chancellor of SKUAST-Kashmir, thanked Atal Dulloo for his efforts in reforming the agriculture sector in Jammu & Kashmir. The program includes technical sessions, interactions, and collaborative work plans between agricultural experts and IFS officers. The participants will also undertake field visits to various biodiversity reserves and protected forest landscapes in Kashmir.
The program is designed to provide a comprehensive approach to climate change mitigation and adaptation, with a focus on rebuilding forest landscapes. The university aims to provide a platform for knowledge sharing and collaboration between agricultural researchers and IFS officers, with the ultimate goal of restoring harmony between people and the planet. The program is expected to contribute to the development of sustainable and innovative solutions to address the challenges posed by climate change. Overall, the program is an important initiative that aims to promote sustainability, innovation, and coordination between different stakeholders to achieve a common goal of mitigating the effects of climate change.