Srinagar: The University of Kashmir (KU) on Monday concluded week-long entrepreneurship training programmes on “Nursery & Post-Harvest Management of Commercially Important Ornamental Plants” and “Cultivation & Commercialization of Edible and Medicinal Mushrooms in Kashmir” at the Main Campus.
Organised by the varsity’s Department of Botany, the programmes aimed to equip participants with practical skills and technical knowledge in nursery management, mushroom cultivation and post-harvest handling, while encouraging entrepreneurship and livelihood generation in the floriculture and mushroom sectors.
Speaking at the valedictory session, Vice-Chancellor KU, Prof. Nilofer Khan, said that skill-oriented training programmes play a crucial role in linking academic knowledge with practical enterprise opportunities.
“Such initiatives help build entrepreneurial capacity among participants and encourage them to explore sustainable livelihood avenues by applying scientific knowledge to local resources,” she said.
Registrar KU, Prof. Naseer Iqbal, said that the University remains committed to promoting innovation, entrepreneurship and skill development through focused training programmes that address local needs and economic opportunities.
Dean, School of Biological Sciences KU, Prof. Abdul Hamid Wani, highlighted the growing potential of floriculture and mushroom cultivation in the region and emphasised the importance of scientific training and capacity building in strengthening these sectors.
Earlier, Head, Department of Botany KU, Prof. Aijaz Ahmad Wani, said the programme was designed to provide participants with practical exposure and scientific understanding necessary for developing entrepreneurial ventures in ornamental plant nurseries and mushroom production.
The training programme included 12 expert sessions and five practical training sessions, providing hands-on learning opportunities for participants. The sessions focused on nursery management, climate-controlled cultivation environments, floriculture systems suited to Kashmir’s conditions, and post-harvest innovations aimed at extending the vase life and market value of flowers.
Participants also undertook field visits to the Division of Floriculture (SKUAST-K), Government Hi-Tech Nursery at Polo View, and several private nurseries to gain practical insights into commercial nursery management and cultivation practices.
Entrepreneurs from nursery management and mushroom cultivation programmes, along with participants, shared their feedback and expressed satisfaction with the training programme.
On the occasion, the ‘Botanical Society Bulletin’ was also released, and certificates were distributed among the participants. The formal vote of thanks was delivered by Prof. Manzoor Shah, faculty at the Department of Botany KU.