Reviews arrangements at Mata Kheer Bhawani Shrine
GANDERBAL, JUNE 18: Minister for Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs, Transport, Science & Technology, Information Technology, Youth Services & Sports, Satish Sharma Thursday visited Ganderbal and participated in a series of programmes at the Green Campus and Tulmulla Campus of the Central University of Kashmir (CUK) besides reviewing arrangements at the revered Mata Kheer Bhawani Shrine ahead of the annual mela.
At the Green Campus, Duderhama, the Minister inaugurated the Food Processing Laboratory of the Design Innovation Centre in presence of Vice Chancellor, Central University of Kashmir, Professor A. Ravindranath, senior faculty members, researchers and students.
An exhibition showcasing millet-based products, including cookies and other value-added food items, was also organised.
The Minister inspected the state-of-the-art laboratory facilities and was briefed about various food processing technologies, value addition mechanisms and research initiatives aimed at promoting the sustainable agriculture and entrepreneurship. He examined advanced equipment including food pulpers and crushers for converting the fallen fruits into pulp, autoclave units for sterilization, dough sheeters, proofers, laminar air flow chambers and incubators.
Emphasising the need to bridge the gap between the scientific research and grassroots implementation, Satish Sharma called for taking innovations “from laboratory to land” so that farmers can directly benefit from scientific advancements. He stressed the importance of preserving the agricultural land and harnessing modern technology to enhance the productivity, reduce wastage and generate sustainable livelihoods.
The Minister also visited the Design Innovation Centre where the students displayed a wide range of innovative products, prototypes and traditional artworks.
Appreciating the creativity and entrepreneurial spirit of the students, he directed the university authorities to explore mechanisms for commercialising the products developed by the young innovators. He also enquired about the process of assessing their market value and encouraged the university to facilitate market linkages for student innovations.
Lauding the efforts of students in preserving traditional crafts such as Namda, embroidery and Papier-Mâché, the Minister said Jammu and Kashmir possesses a rich cultural and artisanal heritage which must be protected and promoted. He underscored the importance of imparting practical skills to youth while encouraging the future generations to value traditional knowledge systems alongside modern technological advancements.
Later, at the Tulmulla Campus of the Central University of Kashmir, the Minister inaugurated the maiden International Conference on Applied Artificial Intelligence.
