SKUAST inaugurates on entrepreneurship programme at Wadura

Srinagar, Oct 18: The Division of Agriculture Extension & Communication at the Faculty of Agriculture, SKUAST Kashmir, inaugurated four comprehensive training programmes aimed at enhancing entrepreneurship and skill development in agricultural sector. The training programmes are sponsored by the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME), and the programmes are pivotal for fostering innovation and economic growth in rural communities.
The inaugural session commenced with a warm welcome by the programme coordinator, Dr. Quadri Javed Ahmad Peer, who provided a detailed overview of the training initiatives, emphasizing the objectives and framework of the one-week programme. This particular training programme focuses on “Entrepreneurial Activities and Empowerment of Rural Women through Processing and Value Addition of Agriculture and Horticulture Produce”. Dr. Peer also introduced a series of upcoming initiatives, including a set of one-day workshops designed for “Entrepreneurship Opportunities for Rural Youth,” scheduled for November 10, 13, 18, 24, and 29, 2024. Additionally, two six-weeks training sessions “Farmer Entrepreneurship and Skill Development through FPOs, Agri-Innovation, and Start-ups” and “Entrepreneur Potential and Popularization of Eco-Friendly Inputs for Sustainable Agriculture”, shall also commence within couple of days.
On the occasion Dr. S. S. Kubrevi provided an insightful introduction to the six-week training programmes, highlighting their practical applications and benefits to the participants. Dr. Bilal Ahmad Bhat elaborated the significance of these initiatives, emphasizing their role in expanding the entrepreneurial mindset and skill development of participants. He underscored the broader potential of these training programmes in rural development and sustainability.
Dr. Shahnaz Parveen, delivered a compelling session on “Post-Harvest Management and Value Addition of Fruits and Vegetables.” She focused on practical techniques to enhance product value and marketability and equipped participants with essential skills for success in the agricultural market. Dr. Shabir Ahmad Dar delivered an insightful lecture on “Prospects and Potential of Fisheries in Jammu & Kashmir”. A total of 51 participants, including students from Govt. Degree College Pattan and farm women from surrounding areas participated in the programme. The day long programme concluded with a vote of thanks from Dr. S.H. Bhat.