Srinagar: Two days training programme on Post Harvest Management and Processing of Walnuts w.e.f concluded Wednesday with valedictory programme being organized at Directorate of Extension, SKUAST-K. Worthy Director Extension, Prof. Dil Mohammad Makhdoomi presided over as the chief guest at the concluding ceremony, while Prof Syed Zammir Hussain, Head, Division of Food Science andTechnology was the guest of honour.
Prof Poonam Sharma, Principal Investigator of the Project told that the two days training programme for the young aspiring entrepreneurs from different parts of the of the valley aimed at sensitization and development of appropriate skills related to utilization of broken walnut kernels for development of different value added products. The training programme was conducted under the project ‘Utilization of broken walnut kernels for Development of Value Added Products’ sponsored by National Horticulture Board, Government of India.
Prof. Dil Mohammad Makhdoomi in his address exhorted the participants to bring positive changes in their attitude and thinking. He discussed the potential of the food processing industry and expressed his concern on the percentage of food loss and food waste in the country. While deliberating on the training programme, he said that such training programmes besides upgrading the skills of the participants also give us an opportunity to reduce the percentage of food loss and food waste in the country.
He called upon them to come up with different value-added products with their own brands, get them properly labeled and certified so as to enable them to get remunerative prices for their produce. Prof. Syed Z Hussain in his address said that the training will be relevant only when what they have learnt will be used practically for development of different value added products. The programme ended with distribution of certificates and a formal vote of thanks.

KR Desk