The program was conducted at Multipurpose hall, Faculty of Forestry in which Dean, Faculty of Forestry, Prof. Sajad Ahmad Gangoo highlighted the importance of forests with reference to NTFPs. He gave a detailed account of our Medicinal and Aromatic plants present in our valley and how fast we are losing these species due to our negligence and greediness. On the occasion, Dr GM Bhat, (Organizing Secretary) threw light on the importance of forests and how the trees are responsible for our life, because without oxygen life is impossible on earth. 

 

Dr Javaid A Mugloo (Co-organizing Secretary) said that besides plantations of our coniferous species, we also plant wild fruit trees in our campus and distribute them among farmers, which are very important for food of our wildlife. The main reason of Man-Animal conflict is shortage of food material in our forests. 

 

Mr Ab Hamid, CEO of Rahim Greens on the occasion said that we have target of one million plants to be planted in the near future, and we are collaborating with the educational institutions, Faculty of Forestry, SKUAST-K is the main collaborator in this mission. We have given our support in raising of Nursery and Scientists of FoF are giving technical guidance in this behalf. Mr Jalal Jeelani, a Film maker said that I was happy to see the response of our young generations towards Forest conservation and Plantation drives. Dr Syed Naseem Geelani (Co-organizing Secretary) said on the occasion that we have framed out a program in which we collaborate with different Higher secondary schools in creating awareness among the students. They are being shown the practical aspect of tree planting. Dr NA pala and Dr peerzada Ishtiaq , Scientists at FoF moderated the program.

 

Then the students took part in the plantation drive, they planted different species of coniferous plants. After plantation drive, students visited the Nursery and got an overview of the technologies developed by the scientists of FoF.(KNS)