Srinagar, Oct 13: Union Minister for Science and Technology and Earth Sciences, Dr. Jitendra Singh, on Tuesday reaffirmed the Centre’s commitment to supporting research, early warning systems, disaster risk management and policy initiatives to address Himalayan challenges on the second day of the J&K Agriculture Science Congress and the 13th Sustainable Mountain Development Summit (SMDS) 2026 at Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K), Shalimar.
Addressing the gathering as chief guest, Dr. Singh congratulated the organisers on the choice of theme and called for translating scientific deliberations into action. He emphasised coordinated efforts in research, preparedness and policy support to address risks facing Himalayan ecosystems and communities.
SKUAST-K Vice-Chancellor Prof. Nazir Ahmad Ganai highlighted the university’s role in applying research to regional challenges. He said the university had secured 146 patents and nurtured 115 startups, reflecting its work in innovation and entrepreneurship. He added that the summit was conceived to identify ways to safeguard mountain ecosystems and communities.
Ms. Arushi Chopra, Director at SYSTEMIQ, stressed the need for a Himalayan Mountain Development Policy that balances ecological conservation with economic growth. She highlighted sustainable infrastructure as a means of supporting inclusive growth.
Dr. S. K. Panigrahi, Director General of IISD India, noted that Himalayan catchment systems support nearly 40 per cent of India’s population, underscoring the far-reaching consequences of disasters in the region.
In his welcome address, Dr. Rajan Kotru of the Integrated Mountain Initiative (IMI) identified collaboration, conviction and commitment as essential to meaningful change. Sh. Sushil Ramola, former President of IMI, called for translating scientific knowledge into inclusive policies and strengthening links between research and policymaking.
Ms. Babila Rakhwal, Commissioner Secretary, Department of Science and Technology, Government of Jammu and Kashmir, highlighted the value of bringing diverse stakeholders together and reaffirmed the department’s commitment to science- and technology-led initiatives for mountain sustainability.
The proceedings concluded with a vote of thanks by Prof. A. H. Mughal, Dean, Faculty of Forestry, SKUAST-K.
The three-day summit, jointly organised by SKUAST-K, IMI and the J&K Science, Technology and Innovation Council, is examining the draft Sustainable Mountain Development Policy for Jammu and Kashmir, alongside climate resilience, sustainable agriculture and mountain governance.
