SKUAST-K concludes symposium on avian biology

Srinagar, May 16: Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K) successfully on Saturday concluded the three-day ‘National Symposium on Avian Biology (NSAB 2026)’ held in conjunction with the 7th Meeting of the Association of Avian Biologists in India (AABI) at Shalimar Campus.

The symposium, organised by the Division of Wildlife Sciences from May 14 to 16, brought together scientists, researchers and experts from across the country to deliberate on emerging issues in avian research, wildlife conservation and ecological monitoring.

The valedictory function was presided over by Javid Ahmad Dar, Minister for Agriculture Production, Rural Development and Panchayat Raj, Cooperative and Election Departments, Government of Jammu and Kashmir.

Speaking on the occasion, the minister appreciated the organisers for hosting the event for the first time in Kashmir and stressed the need for conducting more such programmes in future.

He also recommended strengthening wildlife faculty, laboratory facilities and research infrastructure to promote advanced studies in wildlife sciences.

Dar further advocated inclusion of wildlife sciences as one of the components of the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP) of SKUAST-Kashmir.

Vice-Chancellor SKUAST-Kashmir, Prof Nazir Ahmad Ganai, congratulated the organising team for the successful conduct of the symposium and highlighted the university’s achievements in teaching, innovation and research, particularly in the field of wildlife education and research.

Director, National Centre for Biological Sciences, Prof L S Shashidhara, described wildlife sciences as an important component of the “One Health” approach adopted by the Government of India.

He emphasised the need for multidisciplinary research to address emerging zoonotic diseases and other wildlife-related challenges.

Founding Member and President of AABI, Prof Anand S Dixit, lauded SKUAST-K administration for hosting NSAB 2026 and called for building long-term collaborative networks for ecological monitoring and conservation in avian biology.

Organising Secretary NSAB 2026 and Head, Division of Wildlife Sciences, Prof Khursheed Ahmad, presented an overview of the deliberations held during the symposium.

He highlighted the relevance of avian research and conservation in sustainable development and stressed the role of bird-based ecotourism and nature interpretation in promoting entrepreneurship among local communities.

Director Extension SKUAST-K, Prof Raihana Habib Kanth, proposed the formal vote of thanks and expressed gratitude to delegates, guests and participants for making the event successful.