Srinagar, March 11: Under the guidance of Vice Chancellor, SKUAST-Jammu, Professor B.N Tripathi, a five-day training program on “Marketing and Business Opportunities for Horticultural Crops” was inaugurated on Monday at the university here.
The initiative, organized by the Division of Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness Management, Faculty of Agriculture (FoA), and sponsored by CCS-National Institute of Agricultural Marketing, Jaipur, Rajasthan, aims to empower local communities and drive agricultural innovation in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.
The program commenced with the felicitation of Prof Anil Kumar, Dean of Faculty of Agriculture, SKUAST-Jammu, who graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. Special Guests included Prof. Sudhakar Dwivedi, Dean Student Welfare, SKUAST-Jammu, and Prof. Jyoti Kachroo, Head AEABM, SKUAST-Jammu.
In his address, Prof Anil Kumar highlighted the significance of understanding and promoting local crops, emphasizing their health benefits. He applauded the “Vocal for Local” initiative by Prime Minister Modi and stressed the importance of cultivating crops traditionally niche to specific areas.
Dr Sudhakar Dwivedi, Dean Student Welfare and Course Director of the training program, welcomed participants and faculty members, providing a comprehensive overview of the program. He shed light on the marketing and business opportunities available for horticultural crops in the region of Jammu and Kashmir.
Professor Jyoti Kachroo, Convener and Head AEABM, SKUAST-Jammu, shared insights into marketing strategies and enhancements in agricultural production. She emphasized the role of startups, value addition, and supply chain management, citing examples of successful ventures. Her engaging speech inspired participants to explore innovative approaches in the agricultural sector.
Also present during the inaugural were Prof Prashant Bakshi, Prof J P Singh, Prof R K Srivastava, Dr S P Singh (Convener), faculty members, and students of the division.
Thirty participants, including youths, SHG members, and FPO members from different areas of the Jammu region, are participating in the program, which concluded with a formal vote of thanks by Dr Anil Bhat (Co-Course Director), Assistant Professor, Division of AEABM, SKUAST-Jammu, expressing gratitude to all stakeholders and participants. Proceedings of the program were conducted by Ms Neer Somakka AN and Ms Eva Sharma, young professionals.
