SRINAGAR: Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K), in collaboration with the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI), on Monday launched a week-long advanced capacity-building programme on Computable General Equilibrium (CGE) Modeling for Economic Policy Analysis at its Shalimar campus.
Organised by the Institute of Business and Policy Research (IBPR), SKUAST-K, the programme will continue until July 4 and has brought together researchers, academicians, policymakers and development professionals from across the country for advanced training in economic modeling and policy analysis.
The programme is aimed at enhancing participants’ capacity to use CGE models for evidence-based research, policy simulation and informed decision-making in sectors including agriculture, trade, rural development and public policy.
The inaugural session was presided over by SKUAST-K Vice Chancellor Prof. Nazir A. Ganai, while Prof Anjani Kumar, Senior Research Fellow at IFPRI, attended as the guest of honour. Registrar Prof. Azmat Alam Khan and Director Extension and Dean, Faculty of Horticulture, Prof. Raihana H. Kanth, were also present.
Addressing the gathering, Prof. Ganai said advanced economic modeling plays a vital role in designing sustainable and inclusive policy solutions and added that the programme reflects the university’s commitment to research excellence and policy relevance.
Course Director Prof. Farhet A. Shaheen welcomed the participants and highlighted the programme’s practical orientation and its relevance in strengthening the analytical capacity of researchers and policy professionals.
Speaking on the occasion, Prof. Anjani Kumar said CGE modeling has become an indispensable tool for understanding economic complexity and strengthening policy decisions through data-driven insights.
Lead Resource Person from IFPRI, Dr. Barun Deb Pal, said CGE models provide a robust framework for assessing economic linkages and evaluating the impact of policy interventions across sectors.
The university said the collaboration with IFPRI reinforces SKUAST-K’s expanding global research partnerships and its growing role in economic policy research and institutional capacity building.
The inaugural session was moderated by Dr. Aiman Fayaz, while the vote of thanks was delivered by Dr. Farheen Naqash.
