Valedictory function at KVK-ETC Malangpora celebrates success of four training initiatives

Awantipora: In a significant step towards empowering rural unemployed youth, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology Kashmir’s (SKUAST-K) Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Extension Training Centre in collaboration with MANAGE Hyderabad organized a valedictory function for four skill development training programmes at Auditorium KVK-ETC Malangpora area of south Kashmir’s Pulwama Pulwama district on Tuesday. The programmes, spanning a week each, covered diverse skill areas including sheep farming, mushroom production, horticulture nursery raising, and fodder production.
More than 120 participants actively engaged in these training sessions, reflecting the enthusiasm for skill development among the local community.
The event witnessed the presence of key dignitaries, with, Deputy Commissioner Pulwama Dr Basharat Qayoom, as the chief guest at the Valedictory function. Prof. M. A. Siddique, Director of Education SKUAST-K, graced the occasion as a special guest, and Prof. Dil Mohammad Makhdoomi, Director Extension SKUAST-K, was the guest of honour.
Other notable figures included Dr. Peerzada Farhat, ACD Pulwama, BDO Awantipora, Prof. Javaid Ahmad Mugloo, Head KVK/ETC Pulwama and dignitaries. The programme commenced with a warm welcome address by Prof. Afsah Nehvi. Prof.
Javaid Ahmad Mugloo provided a comprehensive overview of the training programmes, emphasizing the achievements of KVK and its pivotal role in uplifting the farming community.
Speaking on the occasion, Deputy Commissioner Pulwama Dr. Basharat Qayoom commended KVK’s efforts in skill-upgrading rural youth and disseminating technology to progressive farmers. He pledged full support for the proper implementation of HADP programs and applauded the increased participation of female trainees. He assured continued support for the proper implementation of HADP programmes and applauded the substantial female participation in the training. He also emphasized the untapped potential in sectors like agriculture, fisheries, and horticulture in District Pulwama.
Prof. M.A. Siddique underscored the importance of extension services and the successful transfer of technology from lab to land in rural economic development.
Prof. Dil Mohammad Makhdoomi shed light on SKUAST-K’s initiatives in boosting the morale of unemployed rural youth, transforming them into employment generators.
The event reached its climax with the distribution of certificates among all trainees who successfully completed the four training programs. The participants expressed high appreciation for KVK/ETC Malangpora’s initiatives.
Dr. Ajaz Ahmad Ganie, Scientist Animal Science, skillfully moderated the programme, and Dr. Jahanger Ahmad Baba delivered a gracious vote of thanks, concluding the successful valedictory function.
Speaking to Kashmir Reader, Deputy Commissioner Pulwama, Dr. Basharat Qayoom, said that KVK Malangpora serves as an Extension Training Centre, consistently guiding farmers. Currently, they offer various courses and training programs, with today’s felicitation honouring those who completed diverse training initiatives. KVK Malangpora actively engages in research within agriculture and allied sectors, providing valuable new technologies and materials through its extension services.
The DC highlighted the government’s significant focus on skill development, and in our district, there are unique aspects, particularly in agriculture and allied sectors. Wherever there are skill gaps, we aim to collaborate with KVK Malangpora to address and fulfill these needs, emphasizing the importance of skill development in our region.
Speaking to Kashmir Reader, KVK Head Prof. Javaid Ahmad Mugloo said, “Today we concluded four training programmes. These programmes included Skill Training Roral Youth (STRY) designed for rural youth, specifically focusing on sheep breeders for quality plant material generation, mushroom growers, and fodder quality trees for nursery growers. Today marked the culmination of the last day for these four programmes.”
He said that nowadays, the maximum number of youth are gravitating towards these programmes. “Looking ahead, with the upcoming time, job opportunities in government departments are limited. Even our twenty-twenty education policy emphasizes steering education towards skill development. We need to focus on developing skills in youth so that they can create their own livelihoods, establish their own units, and become job providers, shaping their own future rather than relying on others for employment,” he said.
“We organized this training programme specifically because there were many participants, and we observed their enthusiasm. With great dedication, they undertook these four training programmes. From what I felt, it seems they will emerge as entrepreneurs in the future,” he said.

BILAL HABIB