Srinagar, May 17 -- Minister for Agriculture Production, Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Javid Ahmad Dar on Saturday said avian conservation is essential for maintaining ecological balance, protecting biodiversity and strengthening climate resilience in ecologically fragile regions like Jammu and Kashmir.

He was addressing the valedictory session of the National Symposium on Avian Biology organised at Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology Kashmir.

Addressing scientists, conservationists, researchers and students from across the country, the minister said Jammu and Kashmir is home to nearly 600 recorded bird species spread across wetlands, forests, alpine habitats and river ecosystems.

He said birds play...