Srinagar October 17 (KNS): The Faculty of Forestry, SKUAST-Kashmir initiated a week-long Advanced Entrepreneurship & Skill Development Programme (A-ESDP) tailored for unemployed graduates in Jammu and Kashmir. Sponsored by the Ministry of Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSME), Government of India, the program centers on "Advanced Techniques in Cultivation, Processing & Utilization of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants."
Dr. Peerzada Ishtiyak Ahmad, Assistant Professor & Training Coordinator, extended a warm welcome to guests, faculty, and trainees, emphasizing the program's significance. Dr. Ishtiyak expressed gratitude to Prof. Nazeer Ahmad Ganai (Honorable Vice Chancellor, SKUAST Kashmir) and Prof. Haroon Nayak (Director Planning & Monitoring, SKUAST Kashmir) for facilitating these training programs for the youth of Jammu and Kashmir.
Dr. Sarvepalli Badari Narayan, Advisor, Bioresources Division of Dabur India Ltd. conducted a special session, delving into "Commercial Cultivation, Post Harvest Management, and Quality Aspects of MAPs" for the trainees. Prof. S.A. Gangoo, Dean of the Faculty of Forestry, addressed various aspects of medicinal plants cultivation, such as land selection, soil conditions, climate considerations, propagation methods, and tissue culture techniques for MAPs. Prof. P. A. Sofi, Head Division of FPU, urged trainees to take maximum advantage of this one-week training program.
Dr. Tahir Mustaq, a Scientist, provided practical demonstrations of MAPs cultivation in the FPU field. Dr. A.R. Malik expressed gratitude through the vote of thanks and underscored the importance of trainees' enthusiastic participation. The event saw participation from heads of different divisions, including Prof. Naseem Zaffer Geelani (Head, Division of SBS) and Prof. Khursheed Ahmad (Head, Division of Wildlife Sciences), as well as other scientists and researchers from various divisions of university.(KNS)