UDHAMPUR: The Udhampur Campus of the University of Jammu, in collaboration with the J&K Science, Technology & Innovation Council Udhampur Department of Science & Technology Government of J&K, on Friday organised a one-day Awareness Programme on “Nature-Based Solutions for a Sustainable Livelihood and Future.”
Head, Entomology Division, SKUAST- Jammu Prof. R.K Gupta, Member, J&K Kissan Advisory Board Tejinder Singh Wazir and a prominent agri-entrepreneur of Jammu were the resource persons of the awareness program which was attended by the students and teaching staff of the Government Degree College, Boys, Government Degree College for Women, GDC, Reasi, Bhaskar Degree College, Bhartiya College, Govt. High School Garnai, research scholars of the Department of Botany, University of Jammu, women entrepreneurs of Udhampur and members of the civil society of Garnai-Lotta, Udhampur.
Addressing the gathering, Prof. Yash Pal Sharma, the Campus Rector emphasized the significance of adopting nature-based solutions to tackle environmental and livelihood challenges. ‘NEP 2020 also emphasizes on the innovations, skill development and entrepreneurship ventures and such awareness events add to the skill-based knowledge and its applicability, said Prof Sharma. He underlined the need of including sustainable practices into daily life and urged faculty and students to explore innovative approaches for environmental protection.
Prof. Sharma also conveyed his heartfelt appreciation to Shruti Khanna, District Coordinator, J&K STIC, Udhampur, J&K, for her exceptional collaboration and coordination with the Udhampur Campus to seamlessly organize the event.
In the morning session, an insightful talk on the topic “Where the Beauty (flowers) Meets Business” was delivered by Mr. Wazir.
Citing initiatives under the Atal Innovation Mission that supports sustainable agricultural startups, he spoke on the basics of the agri-business and rural hubs as a means to empower rural entrepreneurs. He emphasized that the micro-climatic conditions of Udhampur and Reasi are highly favourable for cultivating diverse crops, especially high-value horticulture and organic farming. Furthermore, he underscored the role of Self-Help Groups (SHGs) in engaging rural communities, particularly women, in income-generating agricultural activities, thereby ensuring economic stability and self-reliance. Wazir advised the inquisitive students to enter this profitable flori-business gradually in order to earn a living and a safe future.
Dr. R.K. Gupta, Professor and Head, Division of Entomology, SKUAST-Jammu delivered on the world of Insects, human well-being, and ecosystem services. He highlighted the critical role insects play in maintaining the balance of nature, such as pollination, pest control, and decomposition, which directly impact human health, food security, and biodiversity. Dr. Gupta emphasized that a dynamic planet faces growing environmental risks, and it is crucial to anticipate global challenges to ensure long-term sustainability. Dr. Gupta also introduced an insightful discussion on insects as a source of technological innovation. He explained that researchers are studying insect behaviour and biomechanics to develop advanced robotics, artificial intelligence (AI), and environmental monitoring systems. Furthermore, he discussed the development of insect-inspired robotic systems, such as micro-drones mimicking the flight patterns of dragonflies for efficient surveillance, mapping, and disaster management.
Earlier, Dr. Ritika Sambyal extended a warm welcome to the resource persons, guests, and students and thanked Prof. Yash Pal Sharma, Rector, Udhampur Campus, for his visionary leadership in promoting educational initiatives. A formal vote of thanks was proposed by Nikhil Khajuria, Faculty, Department of Commerce, Udhampur Campus.
