Daily chadoora updates

SKUAST-K Scholars Achieve Prestigious US Postdoctoral Position and INSPIRE Faculty Fellowship

In a significant academic achievement, two PhD scholars from Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K) have brought international recognition to the university by securing prestigious research fellowships — a postdoctoral position in the United States and the esteemed INSPIRE Faculty Fellowship awarded by the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India.

Trailblazers in Veterinary Science
Dr. Afnan Saleem and Dr. Junaid Nazir, both PhD scholars from the Division of Animal Biotechnology, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences and Animal Husbandry at SKUAST-K, have achieved these milestones under the mentorship of Prof. Mudasir Andrabi.

Dr. Afnan Saleem has become the first veterinarian and the first SKUAST-K scholar to receive the INSPIRE Faculty Fellowship. Her doctoral research focused on programmed cell death in bovine mammary gland infections. With 23 research publications and two patents to her name, Dr. Saleem will now delve into developing bioengineered biomaterials for infection control and tissue regeneration through her fellowship.

Meanwhile, Dr. Junaid Nazir has secured a prestigious NIH-funded postdoctoral position at Oregon State University, USA. His research centers on developing a Lactobacillus-based recombinant oral vaccine against Salmonella in poultry — work that holds significant promise for both the poultry industry and public health. He has already contributed 16 research papers and holds two patents. His postdoctoral tenure is scheduled to begin in August 2025, where he will continue his research on vaccine development for Neisseria gonorrhoeae

Prof. Nazir Ahmad Ganai, Vice Chancellor of SKUAST-K, congratulated the scholars and their mentor for this outstanding achievement. He emphasized that such accomplishments not only highlight the excellence of SKUAST-K scholars in their respective fields but also elevate the university’s stature on both national and international platforms.

“These achievements are a source of pride for our institution,” Prof. Ganai stated. “The scholars’ dedication to research and innovation truly brings laurels to SKUAST-K, inspiring future generations of scientists. Their success reflects the strength of our academic ecosystem and our commitment to fostering cutting-edge research.”

SKUAST-K Unveils Revolutionary Lactobacillus-Based Poultry Feed Technology Under Prof. Nazir Ahmad Ganai’s Leadership

Srinagar, July 11, 2025

Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K) has achieved a historic milestone by officially licensing its groundbreaking genetically modified Lactobacillus plantarum NC8 technology for a probiotic poultry feed, branded as "Salnil," for nationwide production. The technology transfer, marked by a digital signing ceremony, was led by Vice-Chancellor Prof. Nazir Ahmad Ganai, alongside Dr. Jitendra Kumar, MD of BIRAC, and Mr. Mukesh Agarwal, CEO of Invati Creations Pvt Ltd.

Under Prof. Ganai’s visionary guidance, SKUAST-K has transformed cutting-edge research into a commercial reality, collaborating with Kolkata-based Invati Creations to produce this innovative feed additive. His strategic oversight ensured the technology, developed over years with support from BIRAC and DBT, meets the No.1 innovation rank among 75 SAUs in India. Prof. Ganai’s emphasis on bridging academia and industry has not only facilitated this pioneering effort but also promises to revolutionize poultry health, boost gut absorption, and reduce antibiotic reliance, setting a new benchmark for sustainable agricultural practices in India.CNS