Kashmir PhD Student Tops National Essay Competition

SRINAGAR: A PhD scholar from Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K) has won first prize at a national-level competition in Hyderabad, Telangana, bagging a cash award of Rs 1 lakh.

Tamana Latief, a researcher at the Division of Fisheries Resource Management, Faculty of Fisheries, secured the top position in the Aqua Sector essay competition organised under the Students’ Programme of the Compound Livestock Feed Manufacturers Association (CLFMA) of India.

Her essay, titled “Utilisation of Fish Processing Waste in Aquafeed – A Waste to Wealth Strategy”, focused on converting fish waste into a sustainable and cost-effective nutrient source for aquaculture. The research, organisers said, offers valuable insights for the feed industry and farming communities, while also addressing environmental concerns.

Latief was felicitated with a medal, certificate, and the cash prize during the 66th National Symposium of CLFMA, held on 22 August at Hotel Taj Deccan, Hyderabad.

SKUAST-K Vice-Chancellor Prof Nazir Ahmad Ganai, Dean Faculty of Fisheries Prof Farooz Ahmad Bhat, Dean Students’ Welfare Prof Sajad Ahmad Gangoo, and other faculty members congratulated Latief for bringing laurels to the university. Expressing gratitude, the scholar credited her supervisor and faculty mentors for their guidance and support.