Srinagar October 16 (KNS): The Faculty of Forestry, SKUAST-Kashmir launched a One Week Advanced Entrepreneurship & Skill Development Programme (A-ESDP), sponsored by the Ministry of Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSME), Government of India.
The initiative, aims at unemployed graduates of J&K, with focus on "Advanced Techniques in Cultivation, Processing & Utilization of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants." The inaugural event, led by Prof. S.A. Gangoo, Dean, Faculty of Forestry, saw the presence of HoD’s, Professors, Scientists, Trainees and students from the forestry faculty.
Dr. Peerzada Ishtiyak Ahmad, Assistant Professor & Coordinator of the Training, welcomed chief guest, faculty and trainees, and provided insights into the program's genesis, stating that this practical training would cover advanced techniques such as hydroponics, extraction & distillation, processing & product development, and value addition of MAPs. Dr. Ishtiyak also informed the audience that experts from leading organizations like Dabur, APD, Forest Department, and SKUAST Kashmir will share their experience during the one week training programme. Prof. S.A. Gangoo, Dean, Faculty of Forestry & Chief guest of the event highlighted the crucial role of the medicinal and aromatic plant industry in a growing economy. Prof. Gangoo gave some wonderful examples of traditional uses of herbs growing locally. Prof. P. A. Sofi, Head, Division of FPU, stressed on the traineed to take full benefit of this one week training programme. Dr. A.R. Malik, Assistant Professor FPU, expressed gratitude in the vote of thanks.
The event was attended by various Heads (Prof. Naseem Zaffer Geelani, Head, Division of SBS, Prof. Khursheed Ahmad, Head, Division of Wildlife Sciences), Scientists (Dr. M. A. Islam, Dr. Amerjeet Singh, Dr. A. R. Malik, Dr. N. A. Pala, Dr, Tahir Mushtaq and Dr. Aafaq) and researchers from different divisions of the university. Ms. Asma, Ms. Muskan and Ms. Bilkees Ayoob, Research Scholars, hosted the inaugural program. The training aims to equip participants with the skills to establish their own entrepreneurial ventures in the medicinal and aromatic plants sector.(KNS)