Agricultural Universities have an important role to play in sustaining food and nutritional security of the country; more so in the scenario of emerging challenges due to climate change, increasing population pressures and alike. No doubt the National Agriculture System in the country has done remarkably well to address these issues but still lot needs to be done. With the continuous efforts and technical support of agricultural universities, the agriculture productivity in the country has shown tremendous improvement over the years, and the farming community of the country deserves strong appreciation for this.

Agricultural Universities must develop strong linkages with the farming community, State Government, policy makers and agricultural education and research institutes at national and international level for their efficient functioning. Within the university, efficient resource management, including human resource, finances and infrastructure is a key to the continuous growth of the Institution remaining relevant to its stake holders. The University faculty should be proactive, dedicated to the cause and should own the Institution.

SKUAST- Jammu has made a name within a short span of time through the sincere efforts of its strong faculty with close cooperation of state departments and policy makers, and active participation of farmers of the region. However, it is not a matter of complacency because complacency leads to stagnation. We have to move with the time and keep moving with ever increasing pace to face emerging challenges. I congratulate the University faculty for their achievements and very sincerely hope that they will show still more zeal and dedication to come up to the expectations attached to them, and fulfill the mission and the objective for which the SKUAST-J has been established.

Best of Luck !

 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          J P Sharma