One-Week MSME E-MDP on ‘Eco Enterprises and Women Empowerment’ Launched at Faculty of Forestry, Benhama

GNS ONLINE NEWS PORTAL 

SRINAGAR JAN, 09:-A one-week Entrepreneurship–Management Development Programme (E-MDP) under the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) scheme, titled “Eco Enterprises and Women Empowerment,” was inaugurated at the Faculty of Forestry, Benhama. The programme is being organised by the Division of Forest Biology and Tree Improvement with the objective of promoting eco-friendly entrepreneurship and strengthening sustainable livelihood opportunities for women.

The inaugural session commenced with opening remarks by Dr. Sabeena Nabi, Training Coordinator and Assistant Professor, who expressed gratitude to Vice Chancellor SKUAST-K Prof. Nazir Ganai, Prof. Haroon Naik, Prof. Rehaina Habib Kanth, Dean Faculty of Forestry Prof. A.H. Mughal, and Prof. P.A. Khan, Head, Division of Forest Biology and Tree Improvement, for their guidance and support.

While outlining the objectives of the programme, Dr. Sabeena Nabi highlighted the pivotal role of MSMEs in employment generation, skill development, and women empowerment, describing them as the backbone of the Indian economy. She stressed the need for women to achieve self-reliance through the formation of Self-Help Groups (SHGs), establishment of cottage industries, and adoption of botanical and eco-friendly enterprises as sustainable income-generation avenues.

The programme aims to empower women, particularly unemployed educated youth, by encouraging entrepreneurship in eco-friendly and sustainable sectors. Over 25 participants from District Ganderbal, along with participants from the North Eastern region of India, are attending the training. Faculty members of the Faculty of Forestry were also present during the inaugural session.

Addressing the participants, Dr. Nabi underscored the crucial role of women in sustainable resource management and eco-entrepreneurship, stating that women’s empowerment is essential for maintaining ecological and economic balance. She also highlighted various national and women-centric schemes, including Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana (PMMY), Mahila Coir Yojana, and the SAMARTH Initiative, aimed at skill development, financial assistance, and market support for women entrepreneurs.

During the session, Prof. Akhlaq Wani, Head, Division of Natural Resource Management (NRM), spoke on knitting, crocheting, tailoring, and handicrafts as low-impact, eco-friendly enterprises. Prof. Syed Naseem Geelani, Head, Division of Social and Basic Sciences (SBS), emphasized skill development, digital marketing, and the use of online platforms and social media to promote small-scale businesses.

The inaugural programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr. Ashfaq Mir, Assistant Professor, Division of Forest Biology and Tree Improvement.
The week-long training will focus on eco-friendly product development, marketing strategies, financial management, and hands-on practical exposure, including field visits.

Experts from academia and industry will interact with participants, sharing practical insights and experiences.
The programme is expected to significantly benefit aspiring women entrepreneurs in the region by enhancing skills, promoting sustainable enterprises, and fostering networking and collaboration opportunities.

At the conclusion of the session, Dr. Sabeena Nabi extended special thanks to managerial staff Mr. Reyaz, Mr. Rafiq Mir, and Mr. Javed for their support in organising the event, and to Mr. Suhail Mir for effective media coverage of the programme.