Ganderbal:
The Division of Forest Products and Utilization, Faculty of Forestry, SKUAST-Kashmir, on Monday organized a one-day training programme on “Promotion and Cultivation of Bamboo in Kashmir.” The event was sponsored by the ICAR-AICRP Project on Medicinal and Aromatic Plants under the Sub-Tribal Plan.
The programme aimed to raise awareness among farmers about the economic and ecological potential of bamboo cultivation in the region.
The event was graced by Hon’ble Member of Parliament Jenab Mian Altaf Ahmad as the Chief Guest. In his address, he appreciated the efforts of the Faculty of Forestry, SKUAST-K, for their continuous contribution towards the upliftment of tribal and rural communities through innovative forestry initiatives.
“Bamboo can be a game-changer for the economy of hill farmers. Such programmes bring scientific knowledge to the grassroots level,” he remarked.
Prof. Arshad Hussain Mughal, Dean, Faculty of Forestry, welcomed the dignitaries and highlighted the importance of bamboo as a fast-growing and sustainable resource that supports livelihoods while promoting environmental conservation. He emphasized the university’s commitment to promoting green and income-generating forestry practices across Jammu and Kashmir.
Prof. Parvez Ahmad Sofi, Head, Division of Forest Products and Utilization, presented an overview of the training programme and discussed various aspects of bamboo propagation, management, and utilization. He also expressed gratitude to the participants and collaborators for their active involvement in the event.
Mr. Manzoor Ahmad Bhat, Additional District Development Commissioner (ADDC), Ganderbal, lauded SKUAST-K’s outreach efforts and said that bamboo cultivation aligns with the government’s vision for sustainable rural development and employment generation.
Mr. Iqbal Rasool Dar, Divisional Forest Officer (DFO), Ganderbal, underscored the ecological importance of bamboo in soil conservation and biodiversity enhancement. He noted that bamboo can play a vital role in combating land degradation across Kashmir’s hilly terrains.
On the occasion, a book titled “Commercial Medicinal Plants of Kashmir Himalayas” authored by Dr. Tahir Mushtaq and Dr. P. A. Sofi was released by the Hon’ble Member of Parliament along with other dignitaries.
The event also featured the distribution of agricultural toolkits among 50 progressive farmers, an initiative aimed at supporting their participation in bamboo cultivation and related forestry enterprises.
In his concluding remarks, Dr. Naseem Geelani delivered the Vote of Thanks, expressing appreciation to all dignitaries, participants, and the organizing team for making the event a success.
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