Srinagar, Jan 3: The Division of Horticulture, Faculty of Agriculture (SKUAST-Kashmir), Wadura Campus inaugurated three one-week skill training programmes in the horticulture sector on Wednesday in a bid to nurture future entrepreneurs.
Sponsored by the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME), these programmes aim to provide participants with fundamental knowledge and practical expertise to foster entrepreneurship in horticulture and floriculture.
Prof. (Dr.) Raihana Habib Kanth, Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture, Wadura, was the Chief Guest at the inaugural function. She emphasized the transformative potential of these initiatives, highlighting their role in providing youth and farmers with hands-on experiences in horticulture and floriculture. She expressed hope that the programmes would inspire participants to explore entrepreneurial opportunities in these fields. Dr. Khalid Rasool, Professor & Head, Division of Horticulture, Faculty of Agriculture Wadura, highlighted the importance of skill-based entrepreneurial training in today’s competitive environment. He urged participants to embrace skill development as a key pathway to career success, particularly given the challenges in securing public sector jobs.
Dr. Angrej Ali, the coordinator of the training programme—”Establishment and Management of Clonal Rootstocks of Fruit Crops” emphasized the importance of clonal rootstocks in producing high-quality plant material, particularly for high-density planting. He expressed hope that the training would equip participants with the skills and expertise needed to establish new fruit nursery business ventures. Dr. Nazir Ahmad Ganai, coordinator of another training program titled “Tree Architecture for Quality Produce under High-Density Planting (HDP)” encouraged participants to learn about tree architecture for effective canopy management. He highlighted that this skill course would foster entrepreneurship in high- density plantations. Dr. Arif Hussain Wani, coordinator of the Protected Cultivation of High-Value Cut Flowers; program, discussed the benefits of growing cut flowers in protected environments. He emphasized that the adoption of such practices would allow entrepreneurs to compete in the international market. Dr. Wani stated that the training would support entrepreneurs in cultivating cut flowers under controlled conditions.
The event was attended by Heads of Divisions, faculty members, students, and participants. The program concluded with a vote of thanks from Dr. Ghulam Irshad Hassan, Professor of Fruit Science, who expressed gratitude to the Dean, Faculty of Agriculture, Heads of Divisions, Convenor, Coordinators, faculty members, and other supporting staff for their active involvement and support throughout the event.
