SKUAST-K Empowers Youth and SHGs through One-Day Entrepreneurship Awareness Programme

GNS ONLINE NEWS PORTAL

SRINAGAR JAN, 12:-The Division of Agriculture Extension & Communication, Faculty of Agriculture Wadura, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences & Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K) organized a one-day Entrepreneurship Awareness Programme under the MSME at Village Zaloora, Baramulla, on the theme “Harnessing the Potential of Self Help Groups (SHGs) and Youth for Sustainable Entrepreneurship.”

The programme aimed at sensitizing Self Help Groups, women, artisans, and youth about entrepreneurship opportunities, skill development, and institutional support for sustainable livelihood generation. The programme witnessed enthusiastic participation from members of women Self Help Groups, young aspirants, artisans, and other stakeholders. The primary objective of the programme was to promote self-employment, encourage entrepreneurial thinking, and strengthen the economic capacities of SHGs and youth through awareness, capacity building, and exposure to various support schemes.

Addressing the gathering, Mr. Mohd Yousuf, Assistant Director Handicrafts, Baramulla, highlighted the role of traditional handicrafts in sustainable entrepreneurship. He elaborated on various government schemes related to Aari, Kaam, and tailoring, which are specifically designed to benefit women Self Help Groups. Dr. Hilal Ahmad, Assistant Handicrafts Training Officer, Kupwara, delivered an enlightening lecture and informed participants about training facilities, financial assistance, and marketing support provided by the Handicrafts Department. He further emphasized that these schemes not only help in preserving traditional art forms but also generate employment opportunities for women.

Mr. Athar Bashir and Ms. Gazala Hassan, officers from Jammu & Kashmir Bank, Wadura, delivered detailed lectures on banking schemes and financial assistance available for artisans, SHGs, and budding entrepreneurs. They explained the procedures for availing loans, subsidies, and credit-linked schemes from banks and encouraged SHG members to approach banks confidently with viable project proposals, assuring them of full cooperation and support.

Speaking on the importance of collective efforts, Dr. Syed Shafat Kubrei emphasized the significance of Self Help Groups in socio-economic development. He stated that SHGs play a vital role in improving livelihoods, promoting savings, and strengthening social unity among members.

The programme was coordinated by Dr. Quadir Javeed Ahmad Peer, who enlightened participants about the concept, scope, and relevance of entrepreneurship for SHGs and youth. He stressed that entrepreneurship is a powerful tool for sustainable development when supported by proper skill development, innovation, value addition, and market linkage. He encouraged participants to utilize locally available resources and traditional skills in a modern and market-oriented manner.

The programme featured interactive sessions where participants raised queries regarding government schemes, banking procedures, and challenges faced in starting entrepreneurial ventures. The resource persons addressed these queries and provided practical guidance, making the programme informative and engaging.

At the conclusion of the programme, Dr. Zahoor Ah. Shah presented the vote of thanks, expressing gratitude to all the dignitaries, speakers, organizers, and participants for their valuable contributions.

The programme concluded on a positive note, reaffirming SKUAST-K’s commitment to promoting sustainable entrepreneurship, empowering Self Help Groups, and strengthening youth participation in economic development