Youth Get Training on Profitable Medicinal Plant Farming

Faculty of Forestry, SKUAST Kashmir began a DASD, Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Government of India sponsored 25-day Skill Development Training Programme on "Medicinal Plants Grower" for unemployed youth in Kashmir valley.

According to a press release, the programme aims to improve the abilities of educated individuals in the cultivation, harvesting, processing, value addition, and marketing of therapeutic plants/products. After completing the training successfully, the participants will be reviewed and certified by the Agriculture Skill Council of India (ASCI).

Prof Nazir Ahmad Ganaie, VC SKUAST Kashmir, officially inaugurated the event, which was attended by Prof Sarfaraz Ahmad, Director Research, Prof Dil Mohammad Makhdoomi, Director Extension, Prof M AA Sidiqui, Registrar, Prof TH Masoodi, Controller Examination, and Prof Shabir Ahmad, Dean Horticulture of SKUAST Kashmir.

Prof. SA Gangoo The in-charge Faculty of Forestry greeted the guests and trainees and briefly discussed the beginnings of the programme. Prof TH Masoodi, Prof M A A Sidiqui, and Prof Dil Mohammad Makhdoomi also spoke over the occasion, highlighting the significance of the medicinal plants sector in a rising economy. Dr. Peerzada Ishtiyak Ahmad, Course Director, and Program Coordinator addressed the first session. The vote of appreciation was given by Dr. P A Sofi, Associate Professor at FPU.

Prof P A Khan, Head FBT, Dr. Sameera Qayoom, Dr. Naseem Zaffar Geelani, Dr. JA Mugloo, Dr. Khursheed Ahmad, Head Wildlife, Dr. Khursheed Ahmad (Vegetable Science), Dr. Aflaq Hamid, Dr. Amarjeet Singh, Dr. AR. Malik, Dr. Tahir Mushtaq (Assistant Professors), Ishrat, Nida, and Umer Atta 25 skill trainees among others attended the programme. 

The goal of the training is for the trainees to be able to do their medicinal plant farming and trade enterprises in Kashmir.