Srinagar, Oct 21: A week-long Advanced Entrepreneurship & Skill Development Programme (A-ESDP) focusing on “Advanced Techniques in Cultivation, Processing, and Utilization of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants” concludes at the Faculty of Forestry. The program, organized by the Division of Forest Products and Utilization at SKUAST-Kashmir, was sponsored by the Ministry of Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSME) Govt. of India under its A-ESDP Scheme.
The event brought together 25 participants from diverse backgrounds, including aspiring scholars and entrepreneurs. They delved into various aspects of promoting entrepreneurship in the Medicinal and Aromatic Plants sector. The Valedictory function had Prof. Nazir Ahmad Ganai, (Hon’ble Vice Chancellor SKUAST-Kashmir) as the Chief Guest. Prof. Dil Mohammad Makhdoomi (Director Extension), Prof. Haroon Rashid Naik (Director Planning and Monitoring), Prof. S.A Wani (Dean Faculty of Horticulture), and Prof. S. A Gangoo (Dean Faculty of Forestry), also graced the occasion. Besides participants, heads of divisions, and faculty members were present.
Dr. Parvez Ahmad Sofi (Head Division of FPU) presented a formal welcome address and stressed on the trainers to use the knowledge gained during training for developing entrepreneurships. Dr. Peerzada Ishtiyak Ahmad (Assistant Professor & Training Coordinator) provided a background of the program, highlighting the week long practical activities focused on “Advanced Cultivation, Extraction, and Quality Aspects of MAPs” organized for trainees. Prof. S. A Gangoo (Dean Faculty of Forestry) emphasized creating robust market linkages for MAPs and highlighted the importance of value addition for the sector’s growth. Prof. Haroon Rashid Naik (Director Planning & Nodal Officer, MSME) spoke on innovations in the MAPs sector, emphasizing their scope in economic development through product processing.
In his Valedictory address, Prof. Nazir Ahmad Ganai stressed the need for skill-oriented training programs to enhance employability among entrepreneurs for societal development. He recognized the Division of Forest Products and Utilization’s excellent work by renaming the Faculty of Forestry to “Fragrance and Fortunes.” Prof. Ganai urged participants to actively engage in SKUAST-Kashmir’s ecosystem, fostering talent and startups.
Prof. Dil Mohammad Makhdoomi proposed a formal vote of thanks, discussing various aspects of entrepreneurship development and the university’s positive role. The event was attended by various HoD’s like Prof. P.A. Khan (Head FBT), Prof. Akhlaq Amin Wani (Head NRM), Prof. Naseem Zaffer Geelani, (Head, SBS), Prof. M. A. Islam, Dr. Amerjeet Singh, Dr. A. R. Malik, Dr. N. A. Pala, Dr, Tahir Mushtaq, Dr. Iqbal Jeelani and Dr. Aafaq), Non-Teaching Staff, Trainees and students of the faculty. The event was hosted by Ms. Asma Sultan and Ms. Mir Muskan Un Nisa, Research Scholars of the Faculty.
