Srinagar November 09:(KNS) Director Horticulture, Kashmir, Ajaz Ahmad Bhat-KAS today visited Fruit and vegetable processing and Canning centre, Lal Mandi wherein about 30 youth from various districts of Kashmir are being trained in Preservation of Fruits & Vegetables in order to earn their livelihood by way of establishing low cost preservation units.
The unemployed youth are being trained in the art of fruit and vegetable processing like including tomato puree, apple jam, apple juice, apple chutney, various jams, jellies, squashes, pickles etc for setting up processing units on small scale under self-employment.

Director Horticulture during interaction with the trainees highlighted the importance of art of preservation in the Horticulture sector. The ideal processing should be around 10% of total production, however in this Union Territory, it is around 1% which offers tremendous scope.
During the visit, the candidates put forth the demand for enhancing stipend and providing for accommodation facilities in Srinagar District. Director Horticulture assured them of every possible support and instructed Chief Canning Instructor, Kashmir for arranging exposure visits to some good processing units and proper guidance to the trainees for establishing their units. He also instructed to start more short and long term training courses so that the unemployed youth are being trained and opportunities of self-employment are created. He also advised to provide heating facilities for the trainees during the winter time.

Later on Director Horticulture also inspected other offices of Horticulture Department located at Lalmandi and instructed all officers/officials to remain punctual, dedicated & honest in performing the Government duties.(KNS)