Srinagar: The Inaugural ceremony of one week training programmeon “Integrated Supply Chain Management of High Value Cash Crops with special reference to Apple and Saffron” was conducted on 31st of December 2022 in the conference hall of Vice Chancellor secretariat, SKUAST-Kashmir. The programme is being organized by Division of Food Science and Technology; SKUAST-Kashmir, Shalimar and sponsored by MSME, Govt. of India. The ceremony commenced with the welcome addressby Prof. Syed ZameerHussain,Professor and Head, Division of Food Science and Technology, who formally welcomed the dignitaries, speakers & participants of the training programme. He deliberated upon the quality deterioration in perishable products like apples with time and highlighted the need to have integrated strategies for quality retention of perishables. Four books published by international and national publishers and authored by faculty and scholars of the Division of Food Science and Technology were also released on the occasion.
Prof.Shabir AhmadWani, Dean Faculty of Horticulture, gave an overall scenario of supply chain management in Jammu and Kashmir and outlined the existing gaps. He also informed about government policies for promotion of intelligent marketing strategies.
Dr.TanweerAlam, Director IIP Mumbai, highlighted the need for establishment of regional centre of IIP in Jammu & Kashmir so that customized packaging is developed for local GI tagged and niche products.
Prof. K. Narsaiah, ADG Process Engineering ICAR, Delhi elaborated on need for entreprenuership in agriculture sector and informed that ICAR is ready to support much endeavours.
Honourable Vice Chancellor Prof Nazir Ahmad Ganaie in presidential address informed the house about rolling out of new agriculture policy by the government for promotion of agriculture in Jammu & Kashmir in a holistic manner. He stressed upon need for market linkage and export promotion of locally grown produce. He also informed about establishment of Agri-Startup parks to boost entrepreneurship in this sector.

Dr.AbidaJabeen, Associate Professor, Division of Food Science and Technology presented vote of thanks. Prof Syed ZameerHussain, Dr.AbidaJabeen, Dr.Abid Sultan, Dr. Omar Fayaz Khan are the coordinators of the training programme.

KR Desk