Srinagar, March 31: Commissioner/Secretary to Government, Science & Technology Department Saurabh Bhagat on Friday congratulated the KVK Ganderbal for undertaking the skill development programme and assured full financial support to the SKUAST-K in all training and projects for changing the face of agriculture in the valley.
As per a SKUAST-K press release, a one-week entrepreneurship skill development programme on the cultivation of medicinal and aromatic plants was organized by KVK Ganderbal in collaboration with the Directorate of Extension under the aegis of J&K Science Technology & Innovation Council. The valedictory function of the programme, organized at SKUAST K Shalimar was graced by Saurabh Bhagat as the chief guest and Prof. (Dr.) Nazir Ahmad Ganaie, Vice Chancellor as the guest of honour.
The session was attended by Prof. (Dr.) Dil Mohammad Makhdoomi, Director Extension, Prof. (Dr.) Sarfaraz Ahmad Wani, Director Research, Associate Directors of Extension, Deputy Director Trainings, Senior Scientist & Head, KVK Ganderbal, Scientists of Directorate of Extension, Officers of University & staff of KVK. During the ceremony, the trainees were felicitated with certificates and provided with critical inputs to start the cultivation of MAPs in their fields.
The Vice Chancellor thanked the DST for funding such training and congratulated the KVK for the conduct of this programme. He expressed satisfaction regarding the distribution of critical inputs among the trainees which will enable them to initiate the cultivation of MAPs. Prof. Makhdoomi highlighted the importance of skill development programmes for improving the livelihood of rural youth and gave a comprehensive overview of all such programmes organized by the university.
Dr. Ishfaq Abidi, Senior Scientist & Head, KVK Ganderbal and Course Director presented a detailed report and compendium of the ESDP which was released by the Vice Chancellor, Commissioner/Secretary and other dignitaries. During the session, it was revealed that the ESDP had been structured to meet the skill need of farmers/youth associated with the MAP sector.
Dr. Abidi reiterated the mission of KVK for enhancing the entrepreneurial skills of rural youth, facilitating them in all their endeavours and focus shall be made on formulating and up-scaling of FIGs and SHGs in the MAP sector.
The E-SDP continued for a week and the participants were thoroughly trained regarding nursery raising, propagation, conservation, value addition post-harvest management, production and post production process of MAPs. The trainees also benefitted from exposure visits to the faculty of Forestry, Benhama, & IIIM Field Farm at Boniyar Pulwama which helped them to understand the practical aspects of the cultivation of MAPs. The trainees expressed satisfaction and showed interest in more programmes in the future.
