Srinagar, July 11: A Season Long Training Programme (SLTP) on Apple was inaugurated on Thursday at the VC Conference Hall of Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology, Kashmir (SKUAST-K). The event marked a significant milestone in the advancement of horticultural practices in the region, bringing together esteemed dignitaries, experts, and trainees dedicated to the growth and development of the apple industry.
The inauguration ceremony was graced by I/C Vice Chancellor Dr. Dil Mohammad Makhdoomi, who emphasized the importance of continuous training and innovation in horticulture to ensure sustainable and profitable apple farming. The event was virtually attended by Dr. J.P. Singh, Plant Protection Adviser, GOI. Other prominent figures present included Choudhary Mohd Iqbal, Director of Agriculture, Zahoor Ahmed Bhat, Director of Horticulture, Dr. Mahendra Kumar Verma, Director of ICAR-CITH, Dr. Haroon Naik, Director of Research, SKUAST-K, Dr. Shabir Ahmed Wani, Dean, Faculty of Horticulture, Prof. Manzoor Ahmed Paray, Head, Division of Entomology, Dr. Sunita Pandey, Joint Director (E) IPM cum Locust Division, Dr. Vandana Pandey, Deputy Director, RCIPMC Faridabad, Dr. Mithilesh Kumar Arya, Assistant Director, CIPMC Jammu and Haroon Rashid Hakla, Assistant Plant Protection Officer.
The training programme aims to equip trainees with the latest scientific knowledge, innovative techniques, and best practices in apple cultivation.
The initiative is expected to significantly enhance the skill sets of the trainees from the State Horticulture Department, leading to improved productivity and quality in apple farming.In his keynote address, Dr. Mukdoomi highlighted the pivotal role of such training programmes in fostering a scientific approach among the horticulturists and urged the participants to use this opportunity to its fullest potential.
Director of Agriculture, Choudhary Mohd Iqbal, and Director of Horticulture, Zahoor Ahmed Bhat, echoed similar sentiments and expressed their commitment to supporting initiatives that contribute to the agricultural and horticultural prosperity of the region. Director of ICAR-CITH, Dr. Mahendra Kumar Verma, emphasized the role of research and development in bringing about transformative changes in apple cultivation. Dr. Haroon Naik, Director of Research, SKUAST-K, reiterated the university’s dedication to providing top-tier education and training to horticulturists. Dean of the Faculty of Horticulture, Dr. Shabir Ahmed Wani, and Prof. Manzoor Ahmed Paray, Head of the Division of Entomology, spoke on the technical aspects of the training programme and the expected outcomes.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Haroon Rashid Hakla, APPO (PP) CIPMC Srinagar, expressing gratitude to all dignitaries, participants, and organizers for their contribution towards the success of the inauguration ceremony.
The SLTP on Apple is poised to be a transformative programme, fostering growth, innovation, and sustainability in apple farming, and setting new benchmarks in the horticulture sector of the region.
