SRINAGAR: SKUAST–Kashmir organized a one-day Entrepreneurship Skill Programme (ESP) on “Entrepreneurship Opportunities in Climate-Smart Agriculture and Weather-Based Agromet Advisories” under the MSME, Government of India, at Khanda.
The programme focused on empowering women Self Help Groups (SHGs) and uneducated rural youth by creating awareness about climate-resilient agriculture, weather-based farm decision-making, and agrometeorology-driven livelihood opportunities. Emphasis was laid on practical use of weather forecasts, climate risk reduction, crop-specific advisories, and scope for small agri-enterprises and climate service startups at the village level. More than 70 participants actively took part in the programme. The trainees showed keen interest in climate-smart technologies and advisory services that can help reduce weather-related losses and improve farm income stability.
Dr. Latief Ahmad, Training Coordinator, Division of Agrometeorology, Faculty of Horticulture, Shalimar, coordinated the programme. He highlighted the importance of weather-based agromet advisories, digital advisory platforms, and MSME-supported entrepreneurship in strengthening climate resilience and creating self-employment opportunities for rural youth and women.
Dr. Sameera Qayoom graced the occasion as Chief Guest. In her address, she emphasized the critical role of women and youth in transforming agriculture through adoption of climate-smart practices. She encouraged participants to leverage institutional support, skill-based training, and agromet services to build sustainable livelihoods and contribute to local economic development.
More than 70 participants registered for biweekly agromet advisory messages issued by SKUAST-K under the GKMS Scheme. The programme concluded with interactive discussions, where participants shared local challenges, explored agromet-based business ideas, and expressed happiness and excitement about the knowledge gained and its practical relevance to their farming and livelihood needs.