Ganderbal, July 15: Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K) on Tuesday commenced a three-day training program on "Drone Technology and Data Capturing for Natural Resource Management" at the Faculty of Forestry, Benhama, Ganderbal. The program, organized in collaboration with the Erasmus funded ENTER (Environmental Open Data for Engaging Curricula and Research Training) Project, aims to equip undergraduate students with both theoretical understanding and practical skills in drone-based applications for natural resource management.

The initiative has been organized in line with the vision of Vice Chancellor Prof. Nazir Ahmad Ganai, who has consistently championed the integration of emerging technologies into agricultural education to prepare students with future-ready skills. His emphasis on experiential learning, innovation, and technology-enabled education continues to strengthen SKUAST-K's academic and research ecosystem.
Inaugurating the program, Prof. A. H. Mughal, Dean, Faculty of Forestry, underscored the growing role of drone technology in sustainable natural resource management. He described drones as transformative tools for forestry, precision agriculture, disaster assessment, and environmental monitoring, and encouraged students to build expertise in this rapidly evolving field, highlighting its immense potential for innovation, employment, and entrepreneurship.
As part of the technical sessions, Dr. Akhlaq Amin Wani, Professor and Head, Division of Natural Resource Management, and Coordinator of the program, delivered lectures on "Emerging Technologies in Natural Resource Management" and "Drone Technology and its Applications in Natural Resource Management," introducing students to the latest technological advancements transforming the sector.
The three-day program features dedicated demonstration sessions for undergraduate students, covering drone components, operational protocols, flight planning, and aerial data acquisition. Participants will also witness live drone demonstrations and receive hands-on training, enabling them to operate drones under expert supervision and gain practical experience with this emerging technology.
The program reflects SKUAST-K's continued commitment to technology-driven education and capacity building by exposing students to advanced tools that are increasingly shaping the future of agriculture, forestry, and natural resource management.