Satish Sharma inaugurates Food Processing Laboratory, launches International AI Conference at CUK

GANDERBAL : Minister for Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs, Transport, Science & Technology, Information Technology, Youth Services & Sports, Satish Sharma, on Thursday visited Ganderbal and participated in a series of programmes at the Green Campus and Tulmulla Campus of the Central University of Kashmir (CUK) besides reviewing arrangements at the revered Mata Kheer Bhawani Shrine ahead of the annual mela.
At the Green Campus, Duderhama, the Minister inaugurated the Food Processing Laboratory of the Design Innovation Centre in presence of Vice Chancellor, Central University of Kashmir, Professor A. Ravindranath, senior faculty members, researchers and students.
An exhibition showcasing millet-based products, including cookies and other value-added food items, was also organised.
The Minister inspected the state-of-the-art laboratory facilities and was briefed about various food processing technologies, value addition mechanisms and research initiatives aimed at promoting the sustainable agriculture and entrepreneurship. He examined advanced equipment including food pulpers and crushers for converting the fallen fruits into pulp, autoclave units for sterilization, dough sheeters, proofers, laminar air flow chambers and incubators.
Emphasising the need to bridge the gap between the scientific research and grassroots implementation, Satish Sharma called for taking innovations “from laboratory to land” so that farmers can directly benefit from scientific advancements. He stressed the importance of preserving the agricultural land and harnessing modern technology to enhance the productivity, reduce wastage and generate sustainable livelihoods.
The Minister also visited the Design Innovation Centre where the students displayed a wide range of innovative products, prototypes and traditional artworks.
Appreciating the creativity and entrepreneurial spirit of the students, he directed the university authorities to explore mechanisms for commercialising the products developed by the young innovators. He also enquired about the process of assessing their market value and encouraged the university to facilitate market linkages for student innovations.
Lauding the efforts of students in preserving traditional crafts such as Namda, embroidery and Papier-Mâché, the Minister said Jammu and Kashmir possesses a rich cultural and artisanal heritage which must be protected and promoted. He underscored the importance of imparting practical skills to youth while encouraging the future generations to value traditional knowledge systems alongside modern technological advancements.
Later, at the Tulmulla Campus of the Central University of Kashmir, the Minister inaugurated the maiden International Conference on Applied Artificial Intelligence.
Dean, School of Engineering, Professor Farooq Ahmad Mir, highlighted the significance of the conference in promoting research and innovation in emerging technologies.
Vice Chancellor Professor A. Ravindranath released the conference proceedings and souvenir in presence of distinguished academicians, scientists, researchers and delegates from within and outside the country.
Addressing the inaugural session, Satish Sharma expressed gratitude to the university for inviting him to the prestigious academic event and said it was a privilege to witness the growing research ecosystem in Jammu and Kashmir. He emphasised that scientific progress must always be guided by ethics, morality and a commitment to public welfare.
Calling for a solution-oriented approach to emerging global challenges, the Minister said technological advancements, particularly in Artificial Intelligence, should ultimately serve humanity and improve the quality of life.
Highlighting the transformative role of Artificial Intelligence, the Minister urged the researchers and institutions to focus on developing AI-driven solutions in healthcare, mental health, agriculture, governance and public service delivery. At the same time, he stressed the importance of preserving indigenous knowledge systems and integrating traditional wisdom with modern scientific research.
Subsequently, the Minister visited the revered Mata Kheer Bhawani Shrine at Tulmulla, where he reviewed the arrangements being put in place for smooth conduct of the forthcoming annual mela. He inspected the facilities for devotees, interacted with the pilgrims and officials, performed puja and assessed the preparedness of various departments to ensure seamless arrangements.
During the visit, the Minister also met several public delegations who apprised him of various local issues and developmental concerns. He assured them that all genuine demands would be examined and addressed in a time-bound manner through coordinated efforts of the concerned departments.