ESDP on Climate Smart Agriculture gets underway at SKUAST-K

Srinagar, Dec 1: The six-week Entrepreneurship Skill Development Programme (ESDP), organised by the Dryland Agriculture Research Station (DARS) at SKUAST-Kashmir in collaboration with the Division of Agrometeorology, Faculty of Horticulture, came to a successful conclusion today at Khanda, Budgam. Sponsored by the Ministry of Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSME), the programme aimed to equip 25 unemployed youth with practical skills in technology-driven, climate-resilient farming strategies, fostering sustainable agricultural practices and entrepreneurship.

A statement said that this  transformative programme included a wide range of skill-oriented topics, such as mushroom cultivation, apiculture, sericulture, organic farming, seed production, and climate-smart agricultural practices. A key highlight was a field visit to the SKUAST-K main campus, offering participants hands-on exposure to advanced farming techniques and technologies.

The valedictory session featured Nivedita, an accomplished entrepreneur from Himachal Pradesh, who engaged with the participants, encouraging them to embrace innovation and entrepreneurship in agriculture. She commended their efforts and assured them of her support in pursuing sustainable ventures, inspiring confidence in their abilities to contribute to the agricultural sector. As the program drew to a close, participants presented their individual business plans, reflecting their grasp of the training and their readiness to tackle real-world challenges with innovative solutions.

Professor Z.A. Dar, Associate Director of Research (ADR) at DARS, extended heartfelt gratitude to the Director of Planning for sponsoring the initiative and providing the platform to empower rural youth. He emphasized the programme’s significance in building capacity to address climate change challenges and drive economic growth in the agricultural sector.

Dr Latief Ahmad, Program Coordinator, praised the participants for their dedication and highlighted the program’s pivotal role in fostering climate resilience and entrepreneurship. He underscored the importance of technology-driven approaches in ensuring sustainable agricultural growth, particularly in regions like Kashmir.