Srinagar, Dec 10: Directorate of Extension S.K. University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir, Shalimar has started a series of training programs for rural youth which are going on across the KVKs in all districts of Kashmir.
Prof. Mohammad Makhdoomi, Director Extension SKUAST-K said the university will hold nearly 50 programs in all the KVKs and five programs will be held at the Directorate of Extension SKUAST-K under the national flagship program.
He said rural youth are facing several pressures and the programs are aimed to give training on the efficient use of land resources and the youth will be trained free of cost.
He said during the training programs youth will be trained in mushroom production, sericulture production, pruning, horticulture, seed technology, dairy, livestock husbandry, sheep production, sophisticated cultivation of vegetables, protected cultivation, greenhouse technology, low and medium tunnel technology to grow vegetables, exotic vegetables etc.
The programs have been started and will continue till January. One program will have 28 participants both male/female having age from 18 to 40 years with no education bar.
“It is a weekly program and has both theory and practical training. It is followed by the exposure visit during which they learn the technical know-how,” Prof. Makhdoomi said.
He said after the programs are over the youth can make Self Help Groups, they can go for entrepreneurship and also make farmer-producer organizations.
Prof. Makhdoomi also said the university is upscaling the cut flower technology, making of bouquets, fruit preservation, fruit packaging and give a new touch to the same.
“During the programs, we will also focus on internet marketing. At the end of the day the farmers should be able to sell their produce and get the exact or more improved price of the produce,” he said.
Prof. Makhdoomi said the rural youth will also be trained for post-harvest management of their crop including the cold storage of apple and other local fruits.
