SKUAST-K launches entrepreneurship development programme

Srinagar, Feb 14: The Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) Srinagar, under the Directorate of Extension at Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology Kashmir (SKUAST-K), launched an 8-day entrepreneurship development programme on "Mushroom Farming as an Agri-Business".

A statement said that the programme aims to provide hands-on training to unemployed youth and school dropouts to help generate employment and livelihood opportunities by developing commercial mushroom farming enterprises.

It is being organised in collaboration with the 10th Battalion of Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) Srinagar, the Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare - Kashmir, and the Division of Plant Pathology, Faculty of Horticulture at SKUAST-K.

The inaugural session was hosted by Commanding Officer Rohitashwa of the 10th Battalion SSB. Prof Dil Mohammad Makhdoomi, Director of Extension and Education at SKUAST-K, attended as chief guest, while Joint Director and Mushroom Coordinator Tabassum Nazz was the guest of honour.

Scientists from KVK Srinagar, officers from the 10th Battalion SSB, representatives from banks like SBI and Axis Bank, and the Joint Director Skill Development UT of J&K addressed the participants and assured support for their entrepreneurial ventures.

KVK Head Prof Shamim A Simnani provided an overview of the program schedule. Prof Makhdoomi emphasised the university's role in empowering youth through skill training and technological interventions for higher income generation.

The programme marks the 4th in a series of skill-oriented training programs organised by KVK Srinagar over the past two months. Around 25-30 unemployed youth and school dropouts are undertaking the training.