GANDERBAL: KVK Ganderbal is organizing a five days Entrepreneurship & Skill Development Programme on Walnut processing for walnut growers and farm-women in collaboration with Division of Food Sciences and Technology, SKUAST-K sponsored under National Horticulture Board sponsored project entitled “Utilization of broken walnut kernels for development of Value-added Products” w.e.f; 19th August 2024 at KVK Ganderbal, Shuhama.
The inaugural function of programme was carried in presence of Dean, Faculty of Fisheries, Prof. Feroz Ahmad Bhat and Chief Scientist & Head, KVK Ganderbal, Dr. Ishfaq Abidi, Large number of scientists from FST, KVK Ganderbal, IUST and other faculties attended the programme. Which is being held under the mentorship of Director Extension, Prof. Dil Mohammad Makhdoomi. Dr Feroz Ahmad stressed on the trainees to make full use of latest techniques to set up processing units & strengthen this linkage with KVK for better returns. The programme was attended by Scientists from the Division of FST, SKUAST-K and staff of the KVK.
Dr. Ishfaq Abidi, Chief Scientist and Head, KVK Ganderbal highlighted the importance of Walnut in the economy of J & K and emphasised the popularity of Kashmiri walnut throughout India and abroad owing to its taste and quality. He encouraged the young trainees to take up entrepreneurial ventures in Walnut post-harvest and processing.
The five day training programme shall include Walnut Nutrition and Post- harvest management and processing in Walnuts by Prof. (Dr.) Poonam Sharma, P.I. of the Project, Dr. Ishfaq Abidi, Dr. Rafiya Munshi, Dr Suja Nabi Qureshi and other scientists under different faculties & institutes. During the inaugural session- Interface with prominent entrepreneurs who carried their experiences with the trainees viz; Ishfaq Rashid, “Prop. Cake Smith”, Ms. Asiya Ashraf Bhat, “Prop. 11 Spices” and Abdul Basit Fazili, “Prop. Safawi Food”, who put their experiences of how they turned into a processing entrepreneurship.
The coordinator of the programme Professor Rafiya Munshi welcomed the participants and highlighted about the programme with focus on entrepreneurship. Experts from Food Science & Technology, SKUAST-K, IUST, EDI, Entrepreneurs, KVK’s are giving special lectures and demonstrations to the trainees. The trainees will be given demonstration on making Value added products like Walnut Chikki, Roasted Walnuts, Walnut Honey Dip and Chocolate Coated Walnuts etc. The programme was attended by more than 40 participants especially young energetic girls, rural youth, farm-women and walnut growers. The programme concluded with Interaction cum Feedback Session between the Scientists and participants. The trainees expressed their satisfaction and wished for more programmes on Value Addition of Walnut in the future.
The programme was part of training series under the NHB project conducted under the leadership of Prof. (Dr.) Nazir Ahmad Ganaie, Hon’ble Vice Chancellor, SKUAST-K and guidance of Prof. (Dr.) Dil Mohammad Makhdoomi, Director Extension, SKUAST-K. Dr. Ishfaq Abidi, Head KVK Ganderbal informed that the focus of the programme is skill orientation and making youth the future entrepreneurs so that the UT and district makes a move in secondary agriculture.

Sheikh Anees