Javid Ahmad Dar addresses valedictory session of Food Safety & Health Conclave 2025 at SKIMS
SRINAGAR: Minister for Agriculture Production, Rural Development & Panchayati Raj, Cooperative and Election Departments, Javid Ahmad Dar, today addressed the valedictory session of the Food Safety and Health Conclave 2025 held at Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS).
The two-day conclave was organised by SKIMS in collaboration with Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (SKUAST-Kashmir), bringing together experts, policymakers, scientists, and scholars to deliberate on strengthening food safety and public health in Jammu and Kashmir.
Director SKIMS & EOSG, Prof. M. Ashraf Ganie; President AIIMS Kalyani, Prof. Yoginder Kumar Gupta; Secretary Science & Technology, Dr. Shahid Iqbal Choudhary; medical professionals, WHO representatives, legal experts, and religious scholars were among the dignitaries present on the occasion.
In his address, the Minister announced that 7,500 hectares have been identified across Jammu and Kashmir for natural farming, aimed at reducing pesticide use and promoting sustainable agriculture. He highlighted that the Government is implementing several flagship programmes to support farmers and enhance productivity.
Referring to recent food safety concerns, the Minister noted that the Government and its enforcement agencies acted promptly and effectively. “Checks and balances have been considerably strengthened to safeguard public interest,” he said, emphasising that scientists are the true intellectual and ethical assets of the nation.
He stressed that ensuring food safety requires not only robust regulatory mechanisms but also societal awareness and moral responsibility. The Minister commended SKIMS and SKUAST-K for taking the lead in advancing this crucial initiative.
The conclave concluded with expert discussions and panel sessions focused on developing guidelines for food safety and preparing a white paper for submission to the Government.
