Srinagar, Jan 12 (JKNS): The Division of Forest Products & Utilization (FPU), Faculty of Forestry, SKUAST-Kashmir, Benhama, on Monday inaugurated a one-week Entrepreneurship and Skill Development Training Programme (ESDP) on “Nursery Production of High-Value Medicinal and Aromatic Plants,” scheduled from January 12 to January 17, 2026.
The inaugural function was held at the Faculty of Forestry, Benhama, and was graced by Prof. A. H. Mughal, Dean, Faculty of Forestry, SKUAST-Kashmir, as the chief guest. Addressing the gathering, Prof. Mughal highlighted the vast potential of medicinal and aromatic plants in boosting rural livelihoods, promoting entrepreneurship, and strengthening the medicinal agro-forestry sector in Jammu and Kashmir.
Earlier, Prof. P. A. Sofi, Professor and Head, Division of FPU, delivered the welcome address and stressed the importance of skill-based capacity building to harness the region’s rich biodiversity and convert it into sustainable livelihood opportunities.
Programme Coordinator Dr. Mehraj U Din Dar, Assistant Professor, Division of FPU, provided an overview of the training programme, emphasizing the significance of the medicinal and aromatic plants (MAP) sector, scientific nursery techniques, propagation methods, production of quality planting material, and entrepreneurial skills required to establish sustainable ventures.
The inaugural session also featured remarks by Mr. Mohd Rafiq Mir, District Nodal Officer, Ganderbal, and Dr. Mohammed Tariq, Senior Manager and Lead Scientist, Transformative Ventures Pvt. Ltd., New Delhi, who shared insights on enterprise development, market linkages, and value addition in the MAP sector.
On the occasion, the Programme Coordinator expressed gratitude to the Ministry of MSME, Government of India, for financial support, and thanked Prof. Nazir Ahmad Ganai, Vice-Chancellor, SKUAST-Kashmir, Prof. Haroon Rashid Naik, Director Planning & Monitoring, and Prof. Arshid Hussain Mughal, Dean, Faculty of Forestry, for their guidance and administrative support.
The programme has drawn participation from selected trainees across the Kashmir Valley and includes expert lectures, hands-on practical sessions, demonstrations, and field-based exposure aimed at fostering entrepreneurship among youth and aspiring agri-preneurs. The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr. Amerjeet Singh, Assistant Professor, Division of FPU, Faculty of Forestry. (JKNS)
