Srinagar, Mar 11: A three-day online training on “Re-orienting Priorities for Self-Sufficiency in Mutton” began on Monday here at the Directorate of Extension, SKUAST-K. The training is organised by the Directorate of Extension in collaboration with the National Centre for Management of Agricultural Extension (MANAGE), Hyderabad.
The inauguration was attended by Prof Dil Mohammad Makhdoomi, Director Extension/Education, SKUAST-K, and notable dignitaries including Dr Shahahji Phand, Deputy Director EAAS, MANAGE Hyderabad, Dr Sushrirekha Das, Fellow MANAGE, Prof Afshan Gul, Prof Purshotam Singh, Dr Farahnaz Rasool, Deputy Director (Trgs), Dr Rusheeba Manzoor, Er Quratulain, Deputy Director (SAMETI), and 50 participants of the training programme.
In his inaugural address, Prof Makhdoomi emphasised the need and significance of the training programme, highlighting the growing attention and policy support towards achieving self-sufficiency in mutton. He shed light on the schemes implemented by the government, stressing the importance of raising awareness among beneficiaries to enhance the economy of Jammu and Kashmir. He also emphasized the tremendous potential for sheep rearing in the region.
Dr Farahnaz Rasool provided an overview of the training programme and outlined the sessions to be conducted during the training period.
Dr Shahji Phand highlighted the role of scientific development in agriculture in achieving self-sufficiency in food production and stressed the importance of the livestock sector in India’s success story. “There is a need for proper attention to the animal production system, which provides livelihood and nutritional security to a significant portion of the population,” he said. Dr Phand commended SKUAST-K for organizing a series of trainings in collaboration with MANAGE, Hyderabad. Following the inauguration, the programme proceeded with technical sessions.
