One Week Training Programme on Entrepreneurial Empowerment of Rural Women through Agricultural and Horticultural Processing at SKUAST-Kashmir sponsored by MSME.

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SHAKIR BHAT

SRINAGAR OCT 30:-The Division of Agricultural Extension & Communication, Faculty of Agriculture, Wadura, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences & Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-Kashmir) successfully conducted Two, Weekly Training Programmes focused on “Entrepreneurial Activities and Empowerment of Rural Women through Processing and Value Addition of Agricultural and Horticultural Produce.”
The primary objective of the programme was to equip and inspire participants to develop innovative ideas and understand the significance of agribusiness and startups in fruit and vegetable processing, preservation and canning. Participants received hands-on training in preparing, preserving, and storing jam, Jellies and other items using modern machinery such as pulpers, steam cookers and other canning equipments.
The event was graced by the presence of Chief Guest, Prof. Rihana Habib Kanth, Dean Faculty of Agriculture, who highlighted the growing acceptance of agri-preneurship as a crucial tool for generating employment, improving livelihoods, and fostering economic independence among unemployed women. Prof. Kanth noted that entrepreneurship in agriculture not only increases food production and productivity but also creates new startups and innovative products, enhancing export opportunities.
Dr. Tabassum Nazir Qadri, Convenor, Skill Development Centre at GDC Pattan, and Dr. Snober Hameed, Co-convenor Skill Development Centre at GDC Pattan, also played key roles in the program’s success. Dr. Bilal Ahmad Bhat and Dr. S.S. Kubrevi shed light on the importance of training in fostering new enterprises and assured participants of the Division’s continued support in their entrepreneurial journeys.
Key contributors to the programme included Dr. Tabassum Nazir Quadri, Convenor Skill Development Centre at GDC Pattan, and Dr. Snober Hameed, Co-convenor of the Centre, played an important role during the training programme. On the concluding event Dr. Tabassum Qadri underscored the importance of training in nurturing new enterprises and pledged continued support to participant’s entrepreneurial journeys.
Training Coordinator, Dr.Qadri Javeed Ahmad Peer, provided an overview of the training programme, demonstrated practical techniques for processing and value addition of agricultural products. At the conclusion of the programme, participants were awarded certificates of completion, while appreciation certificates were presented to PhD scholars who played a vital role in the event’s smooth execution.
The event was concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr. Zahoor Ahmad Shah, Co-coordinator, who expressed gratitude to the participants, trainers and the organizing division for their contributions to the success of the programme.
This training programme reflects SKUAST-Kashmir’s mission and commitment for empowering rural women through capacity building and promoting agri-preneurship as a pathway for sustainable economic growth.