SRINAGAR: The Division of Silviculture & Agroforestry, Faculty of Forestry, Benhama Ganderbal, SKUAST-Kashmir, has launched a one-week awareness and training program on ‘Entrepreneurship Development through Scientific Cultivation and Value Addition of Wicker Willows’. The program, funded by the Ministry of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME), is being held at the Mission N Coaching Centre in Kangan, Ganderbal.
The event has garnered the participation of over thirty individuals, including unemployed youth and students, many of whom are preparing for the NEET exams.
The program began with introductory remarks from Dr. Nazir A. Pala, Coordinator of the training and Associate Professor at the Division of SAF, Faculty of Forestry. Dr. Pala provided an overview of the training’s objectives and its significance for both students and unemployed youth. He emphasized the potential of the wicker industry and its role in generating livelihoods in Ganderbal district.
Dr. Tariq Rather, Assistant Professor at the Division of SAF, who has conducted extensive research on wicker willows, delivered a detailed lecture on the scientific cultivation of wicker and nursery management practices.
Dr. Megna Rashid, Scientist at the Division of SAF, highlighted the importance of such training programs in fostering sustainable livelihoods.
Other key speakers included Dr. A. R. Malik, Dr. Peerzada Ishtiyak, and Dr. Maqbool Rather, who addressed various questions and concerns raised by the participants.
The training will continue throughout the week, with hands-on sessions on the management practices of wicker willows, along with field visits and demonstrations on items crafted from wicker.
Dr. Pala concluded by expressing gratitude to the MSME for sponsoring the event, as well as to the university administration, Nodal Officer, Director of Planning and Monitoring, Prof. Haroon Naik, and the Dean of the Faculty of Forestry for their continued support and guidance.