SRINAGAR: Division of Plant Biotechnology, Faculty of Horticulture, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K), inaugurated a two-day International Workshop on ‘OMICS for Crop Improvement' today at the university's Shalimar campus.

The event is being held on 14th and 15th July, 2025, with participation from scientists, researchers, and students from different institutes.

Prof. Nazir Ahmad Ganai, Vice Chancellor of SKUAST-K, delivered the ‘Words of Wisdom' as the chief guest of the event. He appreciated the department's efforts in organizing this international workshop and highlighted the transformative role of integrative OMICS in revolutionizing plant breeding, stress tolerance, and genetic resource utilization to mitigate aberrant climatic changes for sustainable agriculture in J&K.

Prof. Nazir A. Ganai also mentioned about ‘Evergreen revolution' initiatives taken by SKUAST-Kashmir under HADP project for safeguarding fragile climatic conditions of Kashmir.

Earlier, the program commenced with a welcome address by Prof. Amjad M. Husaini, Head, Division of Plant Biotechnology, who welcomed the dignitaries, invited speakers and all participants.

The session was also graced by Prof. Haroon Rashid Naik, Director of Research; Prof. Mohammad Altaf Bhat, Director of Education; Prof. Azmat Alam Khan, Registrar, SKUAST-K; Prof. Neelofar Banday, Dean, Faculty of Horticulture.

A formal Vote of Thanks was presented by Dr. Sajad Majeed Zargar, Workshop Coordinator, Division of Plant Biotechnology, who expressed gratitude to the university leadership, expert speakers, participants, and the organizing team for their support and contribution in making the event successful.

It was followed by an expert talk on Genome Harvest by Prof. Rupesh Deshmukh, Head, Department of Biotechnology, Central University of Haryana.

Over the course of the two days, participants will receive exposure to both hands-on training and expert lectures on cutting-edge topics Genome Harvest, Multivariate Proteome Analysis, Genome Editing for Crop Improvement, QTL Mapping, Genome Informatics and Experimental Design etc.

The workshop is expected to foster interdisciplinary collaborations and enhance technical skills relevant to modern plant science and agricultural biotechnology focusing on the role of OMICS technologies in sustainable agriculture and precision crop breeding.

Researchers, academicians, and students from various institutions are participating in the program. This program is sponsored by Neuberg Diagnostics, Ahmadabad.