SRINAGAR: Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K) has launched a 15-day capacity-building programme for veterinary officers from Ladakh, focusing on emerging technologies and modern livestock-management practices suited to the Himalayan region.
The programme on “Future-Ready Livestock Farming” is being organised by the Division of Livestock Production and Management (LPM) at the Faculty of Veterinary Sciences and Animal Husbandry, Shuhama.
Inaugurating the programme, Prof Riaz Ahmad Shah, Dean, FVSc & AH, SKUAST-K, stressed the need for continuous professional development of veterinary officers working in geographically diverse and difficult terrains such as Ladakh.
He said strengthening the technical capacities of field veterinarians was crucial to translating advances in veterinary science and emerging technologies into practical benefits for livestock farmers.
Prof Hilal Musadiq Khan, Head of the Division of LPM, outlined the objectives of the training and said the programme was designed to provide field-level officers with contemporary scientific knowledge and practical approaches to improving livestock productivity, animal health and the livelihoods of farmers.
The training covers scientific and integrated livestock production, animal health, reproduction, genetics, nutrition and disease diagnostics, besides newer areas such as artificial intelligence and digital livestock management systems.
The programme also includes practical, field-oriented exposure to modern livestock technologies and management approaches, with an emphasis on improving productivity and animal health while strengthening the resilience of livestock-dependent livelihoods in challenging agro-climatic conditions.
The inaugural session was coordinated by Dr Henna Hamadani, Assistant Professor at SKUAST-K. Prof M.T. Banday and Prof Islam Udin Sheikh of the LPM Division interacted with the participating officers. Dr I.A. Baba, Dr R.A. Pattoo and Dr S. Adil were also present.
The programme is part of SKUAST-K’s broader emphasis on human-resource development and technology-driven livestock systems for the Himalayan region and other challenging agro-climatic areas.
