AWANTIPORA: Minister for Agriculture, Rural Development, Panchayati Raj, and Cooperatives, Javid Ahmad Dar, on Wednesday inaugurated the International Conference on “Mapping the Future of Sustainable Landscapes: Geospatial Innovation for People, Places, and Practices” at the Islamic University of Science and Technology (IUST).
The two-day event, organized by IUST in collaboration with the International Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing (ISPRS), brings together global experts, academicians, and policymakers to discuss the role of geospatial technologies in promoting sustainable development.
In his inaugural address, the Minister underscored the conference’s significance for the agriculture and horticulture sectors of Jammu and Kashmir, noting that geospatial innovations can greatly enhance productivity, resource management, and ecosystem conservation. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to sustainable, technology-driven growth, stressing that science, innovation, and community participation must work in tandem to tackle emerging environmental challenges.
Speaking on the occasion, Vice Chancellor Prof. Shakil Ahmad Romshoo highlighted IUST’s pioneering work in geospatial research and innovation. He also announced the establishment of a new incubator for developing a student-led “Kashmir Satellite” under the National 75 Student Satellite Mission.
The conference includes plenary sessions, technical presentations, and expert interactions, focusing on how geospatial innovation can drive sustainability, resilience, and smart governance.
Among those present were Dr. Christian Heipke (Professor and Former President, ISPRS), Dr. Lena Halounova (President, ISPRS), Dr. Kohei Cho (General Secretary, Asian Association of Remote Sensing, Tokyo), Dr. Shailesh Nayak (Director, National Institute of Advanced Studies, India), Prof. Ravindra Nath (Vice Chancellor, Central University of Kashmir), Prof. Anjana Vyas (Chairperson, ICWG V4V, ISPRS), Prof. A.M. Moon (Dean Academic Affairs), Dr. Tariq Abdullah (Head, Department of Geomatics), and Dr. Jasia Bashir (Assistant Professor, Geomatics).
