SRINAGAR: A one-day training session for stakeholders on the scientific management of bat willow was organized by the Division of Forest Products and Utilization, Faculty of Forestry SKUAST Kashmir in collaboration with the Department of Industries and Commerce, Government of Jammu and Kashmir under Jhelum Tawi Flood Recovery Project (JTFRP).
Around 50 stakeholders from all around Kashmir attended the training workshop including a number of willow-growing farmers. Dr. Parvez A. Sofi Professor and Head (FPU)/ Principal Investigator Willow Project briefed the audience about the importance of holding the said workshop for the livelihood security of farmers and the economic sustainability of the cricket bat industry in Kashmir.
Dean Faculty of Forestry Professor Sajad Ahmad Gangoo informed the farmers about willow market demand and willow propagation. Dr. Ashfaq Ahmad Mir, Assistant Professor, and Co-P.I of the project gave a detailed overview of the scientific management of cricket bat willow in Kashmir for the production of quality bats.
In the brainstorming session issues raised by the stakeholders were thoroughly discussed and addressed by the experts on the occasion.
The programme was also attended by Professor P. A. Khan, Professor Akhlaq Amin Wani, and Dr. Khursheed Ahmad among other faculty members.
Sajid Nazir, a member of procurement, and Abid Majeed, coordinator of finance, both from the Department of Industries and Commerce also participated during the deliberation.
Dr. Ishrat Saleem JRF (Willow Project) and Mir Muskan un Nisa student facilitator were also present on the occasion.
Dr. Sofi also distributed high-quality willow plant material to concerned stakeholders and growers in presence of the Dean Faculty of Forestry and other faculty members.
Last year QPM of willow was also distributed among the growers under the Project.
Later, the stakeholders visited the field and were appraised with practical knowledge regarding the management of willows.
