The Division of Silviculture & Agroforestry, Faculty of Forestry, SKUAST-Kashmir, Benhama Ganderbal, inaugurated a one-week awareness and training programme on Entrepreneurship Development through Scientific Cultivation and Value Addition of Wicker Willows. Funded by the Ministry of Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSME), the event took place at Mission N Coaching Centre, Kangan, Ganderbal, and witnessed participation from over 30 individuals, including unemployed youth and students, alongside NEET aspirants from the coaching center.
The programme commenced with an introductory address by Dr. Nazir A. Pala, Associate Professor and Coordinator of the event, who elaborated on the objectives and significance of the training for students and unemployed youth. He highlighted the immense potential of the wicker industry as a source of sustainable livelihood, particularly in the Ganderbal district.
Dr. Tariq Rather, Assistant Professor at the Division of Silviculture & Agroforestry, who has significant expertise in wicker willows, delivered an insightful session on scientific cultivation practices and nursery management. Dr. Meghna Rashid, Scientist at the Division, emphasized the importance of such training programmes and their role in promoting entrepreneurship.
Additional sessions were conducted by Dr. A. R. Malik, Dr. Peerzada Ishtiyak, and Dr. Maqbool Rather, who addressed various concerns and queries raised by the participants. The training includes hands-on practical sessions, field visits, and demonstrations of wicker product preparation, ensuring comprehensive learning for attendees.
Dr. Nazir A. Pala expressed gratitude to the funding agency MSME, the university administration, and officials including Prof. Haroon Naik, Dean, Faculty of Forestry, and the Director of Planning and Monitoring, for their unwavering support and guidance in organizing the programme.
