Pulwama, Feb 13: Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology Kashmir’s ( SKUAST-K’s) Krishi Vigyan Kendra at Pulwama in collaboration with the varsity’s Division of Food Sciences and Technology on Monday kick-started a five-day training programme on “Skill development in walnut processing”.
Officials informed that around 25 participants including girls, boys and walnut growers are taking part in this programme sponsored by the National Horticulture Board under “Utilization of broken walnut kernels for development of Value Added Products”.
Dr Javeed Ahmad Mugloo, Professor and Head KVK Pulwama, said that this programme aims to acquaint participants with the multifaceted aspect of the walnut industry from the basics of walnut harvesting to the intricate scientific methods of processing and value addition to increase its demand in the international market
During the inaugural ceremony, he highlighted the importance of walnuts in the economy of J&K and emphasised the popularity of Kashmiri walnuts throughout India and abroad for their taste and quality. He encouraged the young trainees to take up entrepreneurial ventures in post-harvest and processing of walnuts.
Dr Poonam Sharma, Principal Investigator of the Project gave a brief introduction of the project and its importance in employment generation. She along with Dr Tawseef Ahmad Wani, a scientist at KVK Pulwama made an impactful demonstration on the preparation of different products like Walnut Choco Rocks, Walnut Chocoloony, Walnut Chococoons and Walnut Fudge in a post-lunch practical session.
Officials said that the programme is part of a training series under the NHB project conducted under the leadership of Professor Nazir Ahmad Ganaie, Vice Chancellor, SKUAST-K and guidance of Professor Dil Mohammad Makhdoomi, Director Extension, SKUAST-K.
