Early Times Report
KATHUA, Sept 1: The Department of Botany, Government Degree College Kathua, successfully concluded its one month Internship Program with an enriching exposure visit to the J&K Government Department of Horticulture, Office of the Manager-cum-Chemist, Fruit Preservation & Utilization Extension Centre, Kathua (J&K).
The visit was organized under the able mentorship of Dr. Savi Bhel, Principal of the college, and was led by Dr. Sanjeev Gupta (HoD Botany) and Dr. Anil Sharma (HoD Horticulture Technology), accompanied by the participating 46 students. This concluding visit aimed at bridging the gap between theoretical learning and practical application in the field of horticulture, fruit preservation, and product utilization.
On arrival, the students and faculty were warmly received by Sh. Ashwani Sharma, Chief Horticulture Officer, Kathua, along with his dedicated team - Dr. Anju Bala, Horticulture Manager, and Mr. Kamaljeet, Horticulture Instructor.
The highlight of the day was the hands-on practical training sessions where students got the opportunity to learn various fruit preservation techniques, processing methods, and utilization practices directly from industry experts. These sessions not only enhanced the students' technical skills but also helped them understand the real-world applications of their academic knowledge.
As part of the concluding ceremony, certificates for the internship program were awarded to the participating students by the Chief Horticulture Officer, in recognition of their active engagement and learning during the program. Dr Anil Sharma, Internship Coordinator, expressed his gratitude to the Department of Horticulture for their cooperation and hospitality. He also emphasized that such experiential learning opportunities play a vital role in preparing students for future careers in plant sciences, agribusiness, and related sectors.
The students shared that the internship had been an invaluable experience, providing them with practical exposure, industry interaction, and skill-based learning that will benefit them in their academic as well as professional journeys. The program was a collaborative effort of the Department of Horticulture Technology, GDC Kathua and the Department of Horticulture, showcasing the importance of academic-industry partnerships in enhancing student skill entrepreneurship outcomes. |
