Shuhama, Oct 17: In its ongoing efforts to foster employment and entrepreneurship in agriculture and allied sectors, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology Kashmir (SKUAST-K) is organizing various programs across the valley. A notable event, the Entrepreneurship Awareness Programme on ‘Promotion of Ornamental Fish Keeping as an Enterprise for Entrepreneurship Development among Youth of Ganderbal,’ was held at KVK Ganderbal with the aim of motivating unemployed youth to explore self-employment opportunities in aquarium keeping.
The training, sponsored by the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, Government of India, is being held under the patronage of Prof. Nazir Ahmad Ganie, Vice Chancellor of SKUAST-K, Prof. Haroon A. Naik (PPMO-SKUAST-K), and Prof. Dil Mohammad Makhdoomi, Director Extension at SKUAST-K.
The event commenced with a welcome address by Dr. Shaheen Farooq, Scientist at KVK Ganderbal, who provided an overview of the ornamental fisheries sector in India. Prof. Ishfaq Abidi, Chief Scientist and Head of KVK Ganderbal, presented insights on the scope and potential of ornamental fish keeping in the region, emphasizing the need to cultivate an entrepreneurial mindset among the district’s youth. He outlined the advantages of aquarium fish keeping and shared practical advice for maintaining healthy aquarium systems.
Dr. Anayitullah Chesti, Head of the Aquaculture Division at the Faculty of Fisheries, delivered a detailed presentation on the economic potential of ornamental fish keeping as a profitable venture for aspiring entrepreneurs. This was followed by a practical demonstration on aquarium fabrication and setup by Khurshid from the Faculty of Fisheries, which garnered significant appreciation from participants.
The programme attracted scientists, experts from the Faculty of Fisheries, students, entrepreneurs, and local youth. Many participants, including students and teachers, expressed their satisfaction with the event and called for more such initiatives in the future.
The session concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Dr. Faiqa Syeed.
