GANDERBAL, July 15: Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K) on Tuesday launched a three-day training programme on drone technology and aerial data capturing to equip forestry students with practical skills in natural resource management.
The programme, titled “Drone Technology and Data Capturing for Natural Resource Management,” is being organised by the Faculty of Forestry at Benhama, Ganderbal, in collaboration with the Erasmus+-funded ENTER (Environmental Open Data for Engaging Curricula and Research Training) Project.
The training aims to provide undergraduate students with both theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience in drone-based applications for forestry, agriculture and environmental management.
The university said the initiative aligns with the vision of Vice Chancellor Prof. Nazir Ahmad Ganai to integrate emerging technologies into agricultural education and prepare students with future-ready skills through experiential learning and innovation.
Inaugurating the programme, Dean of the Faculty of Forestry, Prof. A. H. Mughal, highlighted the growing importance of drone technology in sustainable natural resource management. He described drones as transformative tools for forestry, precision agriculture, disaster assessment and environmental monitoring, and encouraged students to develop expertise in the rapidly evolving field.
As part of the technical sessions, Prof. Akhlaq Amin Wani, Head of the Division of Natural Resource Management and programme coordinator, delivered lectures on emerging technologies in natural resource management and the applications of drone technology in the sector. The sessions introduced participants to the latest technological advancements and their role in improving resource management.
The three-day programme includes demonstrations on drone components, operational protocols, flight planning and aerial data acquisition. Students will also participate in live drone demonstrations and hands-on training under expert supervision to gain practical experience in operating unmanned aerial vehicles.
According to the university, the initiative reflects SKUAST-K’s continued focus on technology-driven education and capacity building by exposing students to advanced tools that are increasingly shaping the future of agriculture, forestry and natural resource management.
