Training on developing tree nurseries begins at SKUAST

Srinagar, Jan 07: Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir began a week-long training program on ‘Developing Commercial Tree Nursery’ with an intent to encourage youth to take entrepreneurship opportunities in the establishment of nurseries at the Behhama campus.
The training is organised by SKUAST-K’s Division of Forest Biology and Tree Improvement, Faculty of Forestry, under the sponsorship of the Ministry of Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises, Government of India.
The objective behind the initiative is to make the unemployed youth skilled in a particular field and develop business confidence and entrepreneurial talent in them.
The program commenced with an address by Prof GM Bhat, Head Division of Silviculture and Agro-forestry, who emphasized the role of such awareness programmes in instilling an entrepreneurship spirit among the unemployed youth.
Dean, Faculty of Forestry, Prof Sajad A Gangoo, stressed upon the participants to establish tree nurseries for the production of quality planting material for commercially important tree species on a scientific basis. He said the training will help the participants to make their ideas sustainable on a commercial basis.
Lead coordinator of the training program Dr Ashfaq Ahmad Mir gave comprehensive details of the activities to be carried out under the training program.
On the occasion, Prof PA Khan, Head of the Division of Forest Biology and Tree Improvement advised the participants to take advantage of these programs by initiating their own nursery-based business units and strengthening their means of livelihood.