Srinagar, Dec 17: A weeklong skill training programme on ‘Opportunities in CA Storage and Processing of Horticulture Produce’ Saturday concluded at Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir, Shalimar campus.
The training was organised by SKUAST-K’s Division of Food Science and Technology under the sponsorship of the Union Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises as part of the initiatives being taken by Vice Chancellor, Prof Nazir Ahmad Ganai for strengthening innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem in agriculture and allied sectors. The aim of the workshop is to aware the apple growers, CA store owners and food processors of the opportunities in CA storage and processing of apples. Speakers from industry, financial institutions, and academia from within and outside J&K were invited to deliberate upon prospectuses in post-harvest management and processing of apples. Participants included industry personnel, CA store operators/owners and young graduates desirous of setting up their units in this field.
Vice Chancellor, SKUAST-K, Prof Nazir Ahmad Ganai, who was the chief guest at the valedictory function held on Saturday, interacted with the participants and encouraged them to come up with their own startup ideas which will be supported by the university.
Director, Horticulture Kashmir, GR Mir, who was the guest of honour at the occasion, gave information regarding schemes and subsidies provided by the government for establishing food processing units.
SKUAST-K’s Director Planning & Monitoring, Prof Haroon Rashid Naik, highlighted that the goal of the university is to become an ‘Innovation lead University’.
Head of Fruit Sciences, Prof Syed Zameer Hussain highlighted the significance of such trainings and gave an overview of the technical sessions conducted during the training programme.
64th Research Council Meeting (Rabi-2022) concludes
Two days Research Council Meeting (Rabi) 2022 was held at SKUAST-Kashmir, Shalimar Campus on 16-17th December 2022.
This 64th edition of Research Council Meeting was chaired by Vice-Chancellor SKUAST-Kashmir Prof. Nazir Ahmad Ganai. During the two days of Marathon deliberations research road-map for forthcoming Rabi season was drawn in light of the researchable issues identified and the problems put forth by the Development Departments. Besides 29 Apex committee approved projects more than 150 new proposals were placed before the house and same were approved after thorough deliberations.
Vice-Chancellor during his interaction with the scientists presenting the projects advised all scientists to adopt an innovative approach while framing the research projects. He advised for preparation of road map for revival of heritage crops like Ambri-apple, Almond, Walnut and Silk.
Research stations were advised to expand their activity beyond the boundaries of the respective stations and ensure adoption of the technologies in half a kilometre radius around the centres.
Progress with respect to submission of projects for external funding, filing of patents and transfer of technologies was also assessed.
In his concluding remarksVice-Chancellor advised all the scientists to work relentlessly for modernising the agriculture, increasing farm income and livelihood security together with conserving the bio-diversity and environment.
