SRINAGAR, APRIL 01: Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir celebrated World Meteorological Day at its Shalimar campus with the launch of a ‘Climate Champion Club’.
The event, held under the theme ‘Observing Today and Protecting Tomorrow’, drew a diverse audience of over 200 participants, including students from the Faculty of Horticulture, SKUAST-K and RP School Nagbal.
The program was organised by the university’s Division of Agrometeorology in collaboration with the Kashmir Chapter of the Association of Agrometeorologists and the Department of Students’ Welfare. The day’s activities were designed to bridge the gap between high-level climate science and practical, youth-led action.
Dr Raihana Habib Kanth, Director Extension attended the programme as the Chief Guest and provided a perspective on the region’s ecological history. She contrasted the traditional, sustainable practices of earlier Kashmiri generations with the environmental degradation seen in modern times. Addressing the young participants, Dr Kanth emphasized that the responsibility for restoration now rests with the younger generation.
Dr Sameera Qayoom, Head, Division of Agrometeorology, underscored the vital link between climate services and agricultural success. She challenged the attending students to take personal ownership of the planet’s future by mastering climate dynamics. Echoing this sentiment, Dean Students’ Welfare and Guest of Honour, Dr Sajad Ahmad Gangoo, called for collective action to drive environmental conservation.
The technical sessions explored the intersection of technology and ecology, focusing on how Artificial Intelligence, biotechnology, and carbon sequestration can build agricultural resilience. Beyond lectures, the event featured hands-on demonstrations. Dr. Latief Ahmad, the event organizer, alongside faculty members, trained students on the use of portable agrometeorological instruments.
The key highlight of the event was the initiation of Climate Champion Club. As part of this new outreach model, SKUAST-K announced the adoption of RP School Nagbal. The partnership aims to transform school students into climate advocates through practical training, regular awareness activities, and direct improvements to the environmental conditions of their campus.
