Srinagar- Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir and the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) Bangalore have launched a landmark collaborative project to address reproductive challenges faced by dairy farmers in the Kashmir Valley.
The three-year research initiative, funded by the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Government of India, after a series of comprehensive review and evaluation by scientists of international repute, will explore cutting-edge approaches to enhance reproductive efficiency in Jersey cattle, the backbone of Kashmir’s dairy industry.
Led by Dr. Arif Ahmad Pandit from the Mountain Livestock Research Institute (MLRI) of SKUAST-Kashmir and Prof. Praveen Ramamurthy from IISc Bangalore, the project brings together expertise in veterinary sciences and advanced materials engineering.
“Jersey cattle are vital to Kashmir’s rural economy, but farmers often face significant losses due to reproductive failures,” said Dr. Pandit. “Our collaborative research aims to develop innovative solutions that could substantially improve conception rates and embryo survival in these animals.”
The project will be executed at the Center of Excellence for Animal Reproductive Biotechnology being established under the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP) at MLRI, Mansbal, where embryo production is the primary focus. This center will provide the essential infrastructure and expertise needed for this advanced research initiative.
Dr. Pandit acknowledged the guidance and support of Prof. Riaz A. Shah, Head, MLRI, who has been actively involved in facilitating this collaborative venture and ensuring the seamless integration of this project within the institute’s research priorities.
“This interdisciplinary collaboration exemplifies how combining biological sciences with materials engineering can address real-world agricultural challenges,” noted Prof. Ramamurthy. “We’re excited about the potential impact this research could have on dairy farming communities in Kashmir.”
Dr. Pandit expressed his gratitude to the Hon’ble Vice Chancellor and Director Research, SKUAST-Kashmir, for providing unwavering support to this innovative research initiative. “The encouragement and infrastructure support from the university administration has been instrumental in making this collaboration possible,” he added.
The research is expected to yield practical interventions that could be implemented by local dairy farmers to improve their herd productivity and economic outcomes.
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