Srinagar: The Faculty of Forestry at SKUAST-Kashmir has initiated two week-long entrepreneurship development programs focused on the Development of Hi-tech Nurseries and the Value Addition of Wild Edible Fruits, with the support of MSME.
These programs are aimed at fostering livelihood development in the Kashmir Himalaya region and unlocking the potential of wild edible fruits.
The inauguration of these programs took place at the Government Degree College in Kangan, Ganderbal, and commenced on October 30, 2023, continuing until November 5, 2023. The event began with a warm welcome by Dr. Waseem Yaseen, Head of the Division of Environmental Science at GDC, Kangan.
This was followed by an address from Dr. Sadaf Nazir, the Principal of GDC, Kangan, Ganderbal. Dr. Nazir highlighted the importance of such programs in fostering entrepreneurship among the youth, especially college students. She expressed her satisfaction that SKUAST-K chose GDC Kangan as the venue for these programs and hoped they would greatly benefit the students.
Dr. G. M. Bhat, Professor and Head of the Division of Silviculture and Agroforestry at the Faculty of Forestry, SKUAST-Kashmir, provided an in-depth overview of these two training programs. He stressed their significance in promoting self-sustenance and livelihood development. Dr. N. A. Pala, the Training Coordinator and Scientist, also discussed the program design, emphasizing the hands-on training provided to participants.
The inaugural event was attended by both teaching and non-teaching staff of GDC Kangan, along with 80 participants from various college disciplines. Dr. Shabeena Parveen, Head of the Urdu Department, Prof. Mudasir Nazar, Head of Political Science, Prof. Ab Qayoom Wani, Head of the Kashmiri Department, and Dr. Hilal Ahmad Malla, the Librarian at GDC Kangan, were also present.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Dr. N. A. Pala, the Training Coordinator. Both program coordinators, Dr. G. M. Bhat and Dr. N. A. Pala, expressed their gratitude to Honorable Vice Chancellor Prof. Nazir Ahmad Ganiae, Director of Planning and Monitoring Prof. H. R. Naik, and Dean of the Faculty of Forestry, Prof. S. A. Gangoo for their support. They also extended their appreciation to the sponsoring agency, the Ministry of Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSME) of the Government of India, New Delhi.
Following the inaugural event, Dr. G. M. Bhat, the Training Coordinator for the Development of Hi-tech Nurseries, and Dr. N. A. Pala, the Training Coordinator for Value Addition of Wild Edible Fruits, delivered detailed presentations to the participants.”
