Srinagar, Feb 14: Continuing its efforts to engage with various stakeholders across different sectors in pursuit of a shared mission to empower the youth for a brighter future, the Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) Srinagar, under the auspices of the Directorate of Extension, SKUAST-Kashmir, has launched an 8-day Entrepreneurship Development Program (ESDP) focused on “Mushroom Farming as an Agri-business.”
This initiative aims to provide hands-on training to unemployed youth and school dropouts, guiding them towards employment opportunities and sustainable livelihoods, ultimately fostering successful entrepreneurship in the commercial sector.
In collaboration with Unit HQ, 10BN, SSB Srinagar, the Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare – Kashmir, and the Division of Plant Pathology, Faculty of Horticulture, the inaugural session of the program was held under the distinguished presence of Rohitashwa, CO 10BN/SSB, who graced the occasion as the chief guest, and Prof Dil M. Makhdoomi, Director Extension & Education, SKUAST-K, as the guest of honor. The event was also attended by participating trainees, Kendra scientists including Dr Rayees A. Wani, Dr Saima Paul, and Dr Aasima Rafiq, officers from various organizations, and representatives from financial institutions such as lead bank SBI, AXIS Bank, and the Joint Director of Skill Development, UT of Jammu and Kashmir.
During the session, discussions centered on providing insights into the intricacies of mushroom farming as a viable agri-business venture and emphasized the role of extension networks in disseminating technological interventions for enhanced revenue generation through innovative supply chain and post-harvest management practices. Professor Shamim A. Simnani, Head of KVK, provided an overview of the program schedule, while Prof Dil Mohammad Makhdoomi shed light on the extension network’s pivotal role in facilitating technological dissemination.
Dr Aasima Rafiq, Scientist at the Kendra, expertly anchored the event, and Mr Om Prakash Mishra, Deputy Commandant, expressed gratitude on behalf of the organizers at the conclusion of the program. Director Extension, SKUAST-K, commended the dedicated efforts of the Kendra’s scientific team for successfully organizing the fourth installment of skill-oriented training programs within a short span of two months.
