Srinagar: To benefit students from the indigenous traditional knowledge and grassroots innovations, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology, Kashmir commenced seven-day ‘Rural Exploration Training Programme’ for sericulture students to far-flung areas of Uri Tehsil.
The training is organised by the university’s College of Temperate Sericulture (CoTS), Mirgund under the World Bank-ICAR funded National Agricultural Higher Education Project (NAHEP) for the institutional development of the SKUAST-K.
Vice-Chancellor, SKUAST-K, Prof Mushtaq Ahmad flagged off the students for the rural exploration in the presence of Director Planning and Monitoring and PI NAHEP, Prof Nazir Ahmad Ganai, and Associate Dean, CoTS, Prof MF Baqual.
Speaking on the occasion, the vice-chancellor said organising such activities will build and nurture students for the sustainable approaches of agriculture practices as these rural pockets have a repository of indigenous knowledge.
He said, alongside modern techniques and knowledge, students must be aware of these age-old agriculture practices, which are environment friendly and sustainable.
The V-C also distributed certificates of merit among students who were involved in awareness programmes regarding COVID19 pandemic programme.
Director of Education, Prof MH Balkhi, in his message said that such events will help in shaping our students by exposing them to far-flung areas, where agriculture is the mainstay.
Prof Nazir Ahmad Ganai, who was the guest of honour, said these kinds of exploration visits help students to build their understanding in the rural economy and the role of agriculture in the livelihood of the majority of the people.

Prof MF Baqual highlighted the importance of the training programme for building the skills and the confidence of the students. He thanked the vice-chancellor and PI NAHEP for extending their support to the programme.

Organising secretary of the programme, Dr Firdose Ahmed Malik highlighted the impact of the rural exploration programme in improving the comprehension of students and understand rural life by way of living, eating and working in deep and backward areas of Uri.

Dr Zia-ul-Haque and Dr KA Sahaf delivered welcome address and vote of thanks respectively.

KR Desk