A two-day National Symposium on “Technological Advancements: Emerging Trends in Entomology (ESI-ETE-2025)” began today at Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K), Shalimar, bringing together leading scientists, policymakers and industry representatives to deliberate on sustainable pest management and future strategies for crop and environmental health.
According to a statement issued here,tThe symposium is being organised by the Division of Entomology, Faculty of Agriculture, SKUAST-K in collaboration with the Entomological Society of India (ESI).
Delivering the inaugural address, Prof Nazir Ahmad Ganai, Vice Chancellor, SKUAST-K, said that Jammu and Kashmir’s agriculture stands at a pivotal juncture, witnessing rapid transformation driven by crop diversification, biotechnology and digital innovations. “These shifts have altered pest dynamics, leading to the emergence of new biotic stresses and invasive species that threaten food and environmental security,” he said.
Dr RS Chandel, Vice Chancellor, Dr YS Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Himachal Pradesh, appreciated SKUAST-K for its scientific foresight and said, “The future of Indian horticulture depends on climate-smart pest management and strengthening of region-specific biological control programs. Universities like SKUAST-K are leading this scientific shift toward eco-compatible and profitable farming.”
Dr. V. B. Patel, Assistant Director General (Horticulture & Plantation Crops), ICAR, emphasised that pest and pollinator management must go hand in hand to ensure productivity and ecological balance.
Dr. N. K. Krishnakumar, Former Deputy Director General (Agriculture Education), ICAR, said, “The next decade should be about developing a One-Health aligned pest management framework, connecting soil, plant, animal, and human health.”
Dr. P. K. Chakrabarty, Former ADG (Plant Protection), ICAR & Member, ASRB, stated, “We must move from reactive to predictive pest management through molecular and digital innovations.”
Dr. H. R. Naik, Director Research, SKUAST-K, remarked, “This symposium reinforces SKUAST-K’s commitment to science-led resilience in food and horticultural systems.”
Sandeep Kumar, Mission Director, Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP), J&K, lauded SKUAST-K for aligning its programs with the UT’s transformative vision for sustainable agriculture.
