Srinagar, Mar 25: Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K) hosted a high-level interaction to discuss sustainable agricultural practices, international knowledge exchange, and formal partnerships. The meeting was chaired by Vice Chancellor Prof. Nazir Ahmad Ganai and included a delegation from Morocco’s OCP Foundation, led by Director Hassina Moukhariq, and ISAP India Foundation, represented by COO Gaurav Vats.
The discussions focused on innovative, sustainable inputs to optimize soil health, reduce environmental damage, enhance rural monitoring, student development, research, and farmer welfare in India, Morocco, and Africa. A key highlight was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between SKUAST-K’s Rural Business Incubation Centre (RBIC) and ISAP India Foundation to strengthen field linkages and support startups and Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs).
Prof. Ganai emphasized SKUAST-K’s vision of tech-driven, sustainable agriculture, aiming to create a climate-resilient economy through global expertise and local validation of technologies such as nano-fertilizers and smart inputs. Hassina Moukhariq highlighted South-South cooperation and knowledge exchange, while Gaurav Vats underlined the importance of combining RBIC’s incubation support with ISAP’s field presence for climate-smart agriculture projects and market linkages.
Prof. Haroon R Naik discussed integrating OCP’s expertise in Nutri-crops and high-efficiency fertilizers into SKUAST-K’s research programs. Prof. Azmat Alam Khan highlighted SKUAST-K’s status as the third-best state agricultural university in India and its focus on innovation and entrepreneurship. The session concluded with a vote of thanks by CEO RBIC Dr. Jameel Ahmad Khan.
This partnership positions SKUAST-K as a hub for innovation-led, sustainable agriculture while expanding its global collaboration and farmer outreach initiatives.