Samba, March 26: Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K), in collaboration with Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) Samba, successfully concluded a one-week MSME skill training programme on “Livelihood and Entrepreneurial Opportunities through Beekeeping.” The programme, held at village Katera, District Samba, was organised under the Entrepreneurship and Skill Development Programme of the Union Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME), New Delhi.
The training was conducted under the overall supervision of SKUAST-K Vice-Chancellor, Professor Nazir Ahmad Ganai, and Nodal Officer (MSME)/Director of Research, Professor Haroon Rashid Naik. A total of 25 participants attended the programme, aimed at promoting beekeeping as a sustainable livelihood and entrepreneurial opportunity, particularly in rural areas.
The programme was inaugurated by Chief Scientist and Head of KVK Samba, Professor Sanjay Khajuria, who underscored the economic potential of beekeeping in generating employment and boosting rural incomes in Jammu and Kashmir. Dr Sushil Kumar, Professor of Entomology at DPMO, SKUAST-K, and Course Coordinator, provided insights into how beekeeping can serve as a profitable supplementary income source. He guided participants on establishing their own beekeeping enterprises, equipping them with the necessary skills to become successful entrepreneurs. Other experts, including Dr Saurav Gupta, Associate Professor of Entomology and Dr Shalini, delivered technical sessions highlighting beekeeping’s role in rural development and its potential as a viable micro-enterprise.
Under the leadership of Vice-Chancellor Professor Nazir Ahmad Ganai, SKUAST-K has been entrusted with the responsibility of skill development and fostering an entrepreneurial ecosystem across Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh UTs by the Union MSME Ministry. At the valedictory session, Pritam Chand, Ex-Sarpanch of Panchayat Halqa Samlah, expressed gratitude to SKUAST-K and KVK Samba for organising the training and empowering local communities with practical knowledge and entrepreneurial skills in beekeeping.
