ADDC Pulwama highlights HADP’s focus on skill enhancement and employment

AWANTIPORA: SKUAST-Kashmir’s KVK/ETC Malangpora Pulwama organized a valedictory function for nine skill development training programs on Saturday. Eight of these programs were sponsored by MANAGE Hyderabad under the STRY program for rural youth, and one was sponsored by the District Administration Pulwama under the Airport as Venue for Skilled Artisans of the Region (AVSAR) Scheme, focusing on Mushroom Cultivation for livelihood generation. These programs covered various skill areas, including Dairy farming, Mushroom production, Horticulture nursery raising, Value addition of fruits and vegetables, Beverage Processing Technology, Vermicomposting, and Bat willow production, aiming to empower rural unemployed youth.
The event was graced by Showkat Ahmad Rather, Additional District Development Commissioner Pulwama, as the chief guest, along with other dignitaries, including Prof. Liyaqat Ahmad Choudhary, in-charge Coordinator KVK’s, and Mohammad Munaf Bhat, District Agriculture Officer Pulwama.
Prof. Javaid Ahmad Mugloo, Head KVK/ETC Pulwama, and scientists from KVK were also present, along with over 100 participants from the training programs, officials told Kashmir Reader.
The program commenced with a welcome address by Prof. Javaid Ahmad Mugloo, who provided an overview of the program and emphasized KVK’s achievements in uplifting the farming community. Showkat Ahmad Rather praised KVK’s efforts in rural youth skill development and technology dissemination among farmers. He assured support from the District administration for participants in farmer-oriented schemes and encouraged them to explore new avenues for employment generation.
Mohammad Munaf Bhat highlighted government schemes in agriculture and allied sectors, advising participants to utilize them fully. Prof. Liyaqat Ahmad Choudhary emphasized the role of extension services and successful technology transfer for rural economic development.
During the program, Certificates were distributed among all trainees who had participated in these programs, and they highly appreciated KVK/ETC Malangpora’s initiatives. The program was moderated by Dr. Ajaz Ahmad Ganie and concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr. Afsah Nehvi.
Speaking to Kashmir Reader, the Additional Deputy Development Commissioner Pulwama, Showkat Ahmad Rather, said that the Government of Jammu and Kashmir UT has devised an ambitious plan called the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP). This program comprises various components, and efforts are being made at the district administration level to ensure that children or whoever is targeted by the program should avail themselves of its benefits. There is a certain skill component involved, and hand-holding is provided to facilitate this. In this regard, KVK-ETC Malangpora organized a 7-day mushroom cultivation training program, involving a number of trainees.
He said that in the entire HADP, wherever there is a need for hand-holding, whether it’s in the technical or financial aspects, they are providing support. So, this training program was a part of that initiative.
Additional Deputy Development Commissioner Pulwama further explained that when addressing the agriculture sector, they are simultaneously focusing on two key aspects. Firstly, ensuring that our people have access to the best products, and secondly, providing employment opportunities for the youth. The HADP aims to address these aspects, and various strategies such as marketing approaches and production levels are being considered. Training is an integral part of this endeavor.

BILAL HABIB