Srinagar :The Faculty of Agriculture, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences & Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K), in collaboration with the J&K Science, Technology & Innovation Council (JKSTIC), organized a One-Day National Conference-cum-Workshop on “Role of AI in Data-Driven Informed Decision Making” at the Conference Hall, FoA, Wadura, on September 25, 2025. The event was held to commemorate the 132nd birth anniversary of Professor (Dr.) P.C. Mahalanobis, the father of modern statistics in India.
The programme was held under the patronage of Prof. Nazir Ahmad Ganai, Vice Chancellor, SKUAST-K, with Prof. (Dr.) Haroon Naik (Director Research) and Prof. (Dr.) Shakeel A. Mir (Dean, FoA) as Patrons. It was organized by Prof. (Dr.) Bilal A. Bhat, Head, Division of Agricultural Economics & Statistics, with Prof. (Dr.) Showkat Maqbool as Co-Organizer.
Prof. Bilal Ahmad welcomed the guests and, in his brief speech, highlighted the importance of organizing such a conference. He also expressed gratitude to Hon’ble VC SKUAST-K, Dean FoA, JKSTIC, speakers, and participants for their support in making the programme successful.
The inaugural session featured eminent speakers including Prof. Aquil Ahmed, Former Head, Department of Statistics and Operations Research, AMU Aligarh, who delivered the keynote address. In his lecture, Prof. Ahmed emphasized the role of statistics in effective decision-making. Prof. Rahul Gupta, Rector Bhaderwah Campus, University of Jammu, graced the occasion as Special Guest of Honour, while Dr. Kaukab Azeem, Head, Physical Education, Central University of Kashmir, also addressed the gathering, stressing that health management is vital for improving quality of life.
The event witnessed enthusiastic participation from more than 20 research scholars who shared their perspectives on the role of AI and statistics in contemporary research. Over 120 students from various degree colleges, high schools, and middle schools attended the conference. Many of them presented papers, both orally and through posters, showcasing their understanding of AI applications in different sectors.
The technical session included talks by Prof. Ab Shakoor, Prof. Bilal A. Bhat, Prof. Showkat Maqbool, Dr. Sajad A. Bhat, Dr. Bilal A. Zarger, Prof. Parmil Kumar, and Dr. Pir Bilal Ahmad, who discussed the applications of AI and statistics in agriculture, economics, and allied sciences.
Dr. Sajad A. Bhat delivered the welcome address, while Dr. Sajad A. Saraf presented the vote of thanks, extending gratitude to the Hon’ble VC, Dean FoA, Organizing Committee, speakers, participants, volunteers, media, and all those who contributed to the success of the programme.
Dr. Imtiyaz A. Lone, HoD Horticulture, was also present as Guest of Honour and appreciated the efforts of the Division of Agricultural Statistics and Economics, remarking that “without this division, academic and research progress would not have been possible.”
Throughout the sessions, speakers emphasized that Artificial Intelligence and big data are transformative tools for optimizing resources, combating climate change, and ensuring sustainable food security. They also paid rich tributes to Prof. P.C. Mahalanobis for his monumental contributions to statistics and national planning in India.
