SKUAST-K Division of Vegetable Science holds MSME sponsored six week trainings for youth to grow vegetables scientifically, profitability
SRINAGAR: Lar a predominant grape growing area of Ganderbal has come become the centre of attention for the Division of Vegetable Science SKUAST Kashmir, with its scientists recently engrossed in holding trainings for youth in the area on how to reap the benefits of growing vegetables on scientific lines.
Sponsored by the Government of India Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) that scientists if the Division took thetask of holding six Entrepreneurship and Skill Developmenttraining Programmes (E-SDP) sessions of six week each mostly for the youthmostly women apprising them of the latest technological advancements in growingof vegetables that concluded Tuesday.
This area in Ganderbal is well known for growinggrapes , but scientists at the division say that it holds a high potential togrow vegetables.
Thetraining programmes included, hydroponics in Vegetable crops-an emerging technology for enhancing productivity, quality and income of small and marginal farmers coordinated by Dr. Syed Berjes Zehra Training youth on Vermi-composting as a step towards organic farming, sustainable agriculture and self employment coordinatedby Dr. Ummyiah Masoodi.
Another training on Nursery raising and off-season cultivation of vegetables under protected cultivation coordinated by Dr. Rakhshanda Anayat and Improved production technology, processing and value addition Onion and Pran for boosting the economy of the region coordinated byDr. Gazala Nazir.
These trainings, according to the division, were conducted in different villages of District Ganderbal (Repora Lar) for educated unemployed women with 25 participants and a duration of six weeks each.
The training was based on expert lectures by scientists of Division Of VegetableScience and other faculties of SKUAST-Kashmir. There were also exposure visits, demonstrations and hands-on activities were also carried out during the training. At successful culmination of these trannings a joint valedictory function of these trainings was organised by division of Vegetable science, Faculty of horticultureSKUAST-K Shalimar. Professor Haroon Naik, Director Planning and monitoringSKUAST-K was the Chief guest of the event who was apprised by the trainees about their learning experiences during the training programmes. Dean faculty of horticulture, Professor Shabir Ahmad Wani also graced the event with his presence. Head of the division Prof. M.I Makhdoomi Head spoke on the importance of entrepreneurship oriented vegetable production. The programme was also attended by various scientists of the division of vegetable science.
The programme coordinators presented the activities carried during the respective training programmes. Fourbooklets in printed format pertaining to these training were also released during the function. The Director Planning andmonitoring and Dean Faculty of Horticulture SKUAST-K congratulated the course coordinators and division of Vegetable science for successful completion of the training.
The Division of vegetable science was established in 1971-72.The Division is one of the important Divisions of the University to fulfill the mandate of research, teaching and extension in vegetable crops.
The Division has been involved in conducting research on various aspects of vegetable breeding and vegetable production.The Division via technology innovation commendable contributed towards the economic betterment of vegetable growers here.

KR Desk