Srinagar, Oct 10: Jammu and Kashmir’s first Sustainable Mountain Development Policy will be among the key subjects of discussion at a three-day national summit beginning October 12 at Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K), bringing together policymakers, scientists and agricultural experts to examine the challenges facing Himalayan ecosystems.
The 13th Sustainable Mountain Development Summit, being organised jointly by SKUAST-Kashmir and the Integrated Mountain Initiative (IMI), will be held alongside the Jammu and Kashmir Agriculture Science Congress-2026 at the university’s Shalimar campus from October 12 to 14.
The event, themed “Contouring Sustainable Himalayan Landscapes for Inclusive Viksit Bharat”, will focus on climate-resilient agriculture, mountain ecosystem conservation, sustainable development and inclusive economic opportunities across the Himalayan region.
According to the organisers, a major highlight of the summit will be the introduction and discussion of a proposed Sustainable Mountain Development Policy for Jammu and Kashmir, aimed at addressing the distinctive environmental and developmental challenges of mountainous regions.
The summit will also see the launch of three practical publications dealing with agricultural carbon markets, international carbon-market cooperation and environmental safeguards.
The Farmer’s Guidebook, developed by SKUAST-Kashmir in collaboration with the International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED) and the Voluntary Carbon Markets Integrity Initiative (VCMI), is intended to help farmers understand and participate equitably in agricultural carbon markets.
The organisers said the guidebook has been endorsed by the Union Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare.
Another publication, the Article 6.2 Toolkit, will provide guidance on international cooperation in carbon markets, particularly mechanisms aimed at ensuring credible and transparent transactions.
The Environmental and Social Management Framework will focus on strengthening safeguards for agricultural carbon projects, with emphasis on environmental protection and social considerations.
The discussions are expected to examine how sustainable agricultural practices and emerging carbon-market mechanisms can support climate resilience while creating economic opportunities for farming communities.
The summit will bring together policymakers, administrators, scientists, farmers and development professionals to explore approaches to conserving fragile mountain ecosystems and improving agricultural sustainability.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, who is also Pro-Chancellor of SKUAST-Kashmir, is scheduled to inaugurate the summit on October 12 at 10 am.
Union Minister of State for Science and Technology and Earth Sciences Jitendra Singh is scheduled to attend a special session on October 13 at 2 pm.
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, Chancellor of SKUAST-Kashmir, is scheduled to preside over the valedictory function on October 14 at 3 pm.
The organisers said the summit would provide a platform for discussions on policy interventions, scientific research and practical solutions for sustainable development in the Himalayan region.
The proposed mountain development policy and the publications on carbon markets are expected to feature prominently in deliberations on balancing environmental conservation with agricultural livelihoods and long-term economic growth.
