Share your story and shine at JK Monitor!🌟 Welcome to JK Monitor, where every story matters and every achievement is celebrated! We invite you to share the remarkable journey of your life and showcase your accomplishments to the world. Join our exclusive interviews that honor exceptional individuals just like you. JAMMU: In a significant step towards strengthening advanced horticulture practices and empowering farmers, Central University of Jammu (CUJ), in collaboration with the Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Jammu (SKUAST-Jammu), successfully distributed Baramasi citrus saplings to farmers of Samba district under the guidance of Dr. B N Tripathi, Hon’ble Vice Chancellor, SKUAST Jammu.
The initiative was undertaken under the project entitled “Development of Quality Planting Material through Plant Tissue Culture for the Farmers of Samba District”, sponsored by the Jammu and Kashmir Science, Technology and Innovation Council (JKSTIC).
Prof. Sanjeev Jain, Hon’ble Vice Chancellor, Central University of Jammu, the chief guest of the event emphasised on the significance of advanced agricultural techniques for the economic growth of the farmers. He appreciated the collaborative efforts of the participating institutes in rendering benefits of research to the society, and welcomed the participation of the farmers in the research efforts in Central University of Jammu. He also gave valuable suggestions of a few significant crops to the farmers.
Dr. S K Gupta, Director Research, SKUAST Jammu and Guest of Honour, acknowledged the efforts of scientists from SKUASTJammu and CU Jammu in developing tissue culture plants of citrus and strawberry. He also welcomed the farming community of samba district and requested them to visit KVKs and SKUAST Jammu related to all the farming problems.
The distribution programme marked a milestone in enhancing the availability of high-quality planting material for citrus cultivation. The Baramasi variety, known for its ability to produce fruit throughout the year, is expected to not only improve crop productivity but also provide farmers with a steady source of income.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Vinod Gupta, Professor and Head, Division of Agricultural Extension Education, SKUAST-Jammu, and PI of the project, highlighted the role of plant tissue culture in ensuring disease-free, uniform, and vigorous planting material. Dr. Shelly Sehgal, Associate Professor (CMB), Central University of Jammu, and CO-PI of the project, emphasized the importance of science-led interventions in addressing local agricultural challenges and enhancing farmer livelihoods. Dr. Neerja Sharma, Scientist, KVK Samba, Co-PI, underlined the significance of promoting citrus cultivation in Samba as a means to diversify and strengthen the district’s horticulture-based economy.
The project also aims to create awareness and train farmers in adopting improved cultivation practices to maximize the benefits of citrus farming. The distributed saplings are expected to serve as a model for demonstrating the potential of biotechnology-based interventions in boosting the horticulture sector of Jammu and Kashmir.
In addition, another significant achievement was the launch of OSCClncDB web page, a first-of-its-kind database dedicated to long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) linked to Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma (OSCC). It is developed and maintained under the supervision of Dr. Shelly Sehgalby the Mr. Manish Kumar Mishra, Ph.D research scholar. This resource provides easy access to curated information on lncRNAs—their biological roles, clinical associations, molecular targets, and links to original studies. Supported by CUJ and JKSTIC, the platform aims to accelerate discoveries and contribute to new strategies in the fight against oral cancer.
The organizers expressed their sincere gratitude to Prof. Sanjeev Jain, Vice Chancellor, Central University of Jammu, for his constant encouragement and support in fostering collaborative initiatives aimed at the welfare of farmers.
This collaborative effort reflects the commitment of academic institutions and government agencies in promoting agricultural innovation and cutting-edge biomedical research for human welfare.
