Skill development programme kicks off at Ganderbal

Srinagar, Aug 19: KVK Ganderbal, in collaboration with the Division of Food Sciences and Technology, SKUAST-K, has launched a five-day Entrepreneurship & Skill Development Programme focused on walnut processing for walnut growers and farmwomen. Sponsored by the National Horticulture Board under the project titled “Utilization of Broken Walnut Kernels for Development of Value-added Products,” the programme began on August 19.

The event is being held under the mentorship of Prof. D. M. Makhdoomi, Director of Extension. The inaugural ceremony featured Feroz Ahmad Bhat, Dean of the Faculty of Fisheries, as the Chief Guest, and Ishfaq Abidi, Chief Scientist and Head of KVK Ganderbal, as the Guest of Honour. The program saw a large turnout of scientists from various faculties, including Food Science and Technology (FST), KVK Ganderbal, and IUST.

In his address, Feroz Ahmad encouraged trainees to leverage the latest techniques in walnut processing to establish their own units and emphasized the importance of maintaining a strong connection with KVK for better economic returns. Ishfaq Abidi highlighted the critical role of walnuts in Jammu & Kashmir’s economy, noting the popularity of Kashmiri walnuts across India and internationally due to their superior taste and quality. He urged young trainees to explore entrepreneurial opportunities in post-harvest walnut processing.

The program also included an interface with successful entrepreneurs, including Ishfaq Rashid (Proprietor, Cake Smith), Asiya Ashraf Bhat (Proprietor, 11 Spices), and Abdul Basit Fazili (Proprietor, Safawi Food), who shared their experiences in the processing industry. Experts from SKUAST-K, IUST, the Entrepreneurship Development Institute (EDI), and KVKs are set to deliver special lectures and demonstrations on creating value-added products like Walnut Chikki, Roasted Walnuts, Walnut Honey Dip, and Chocolate-Coated Walnuts.