Increased collaboration between medical & agricultural sciences imperative to address health challenges: Dr. Ashraf Ganie

Srinagar, Feb 29: The three-day JK Agri-Med Science Congress, held at the Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (SKUAST) of Kashmir, concluded on Thursday with a fervent call for increased collaboration between medical and agricultural sciences.

Chairman JK Research Consortium, and noted endocrinologist Prof. Dr. Mohammad Ashraf Ganie, highlighted the significance of the event, emphasizing the intersection of medical and agricultural sciences in addressing pressing health issues.

Speaking to the media, Prof Ganie, as per the news agency said, that throughout the congress renowned figures from national and international spheres convened to discuss the reciprocal impact of medical and agricultural sciences.

“Over 120 research papers were submitted, with 59 selected for oral presentations, showcasing the depth of scholarly engagement. There were figures of both national and international repute who were invited and they spoke on major pressing issues”, he said.

Dr. Ganie stressed the need for information sharing between medical and agricultural experts to tackle disease patterns and causes related to food consumption. He underscored the importance of regulating chemical and pesticide usage in agriculture to mitigate adverse effects on health and the environment.

“There must be an increased collaboration between medical and agricultural science for regress information sharing pattern so that the diseases related to the food consumption can be minimised”, he remarked.

Stating that the congress served as a platform for exchanging ideas and fostering community engagement, Dr. Ganie urged for the expansion of such conferences beyond Kashmir to encompass the entire continent, drawing parallels with similar events in the West and Europe.

VC SKUAST-K Prof Nazir Ahmad Ganie while speaking on the concluding ceremony highlighted the recent achievements of the university and also thanked the experts, guests and delegates for being a part of the mega three day science congress.

Chairman JK Research Consortium, Dr. Ganie emphasized the unique nature of the Agri-Med conference, which facilitates the convergence of divergent fields, and advocated for its more frequent occurrence.

Beyond academic discourse, Dr. Ganie while highlighting the significance and need of holding Agri- Med conference,  emphasized the practical implications of such gatherings, calling for community involvement and the dissemination of valuable information to improve human lives. He stressed on the role of institutions in engaging professionals for the effective dissemination of knowledge.

“There was overwhelming response for the Agri-Med Science Congress at SKUAST Kashmir concluded with a resounding call for enhanced collaboration, regulation of pesticide usage, and increased community engagement. The event serves as a testament to the importance of interdisciplinary dialogue in addressing complex challenges at the nexus of agriculture and medicine”, he stated—(KNO)