 Early Times Report
JAMMU, Sept 12: The training programme on "Agripreneurship Development in Kandi Area of Jammu; A Pathway to Self Reliant Rural Women and Youth" was organized by the Division of Agricultural Extension Education, SKUAST-Jammu (sponsored by JKST&IC project) for the Rural Women & Youths of Nud Block of district Samba Women & Youth of the local areas under noble guidance & dynamic leadership of Hon'ble Vice Chancellor, Prof. B.N. Tripathi. aThe Chief Guest of the occasion Prof Hema Tripathi, Assoc Director Extension, SKUAST-Jammu inaugurated the session at KVK Samba. Prof Jagmohan Singh, Head, Division of Post-Harvest Management, SKUAST-Jammu, Dr. Sanjay Khajuria, Chief Scientist and Head , KVK Samba; Prof Poonam Parihar, Division of Agricultural Extension Education, P.I. and organizing secretary of the JKST&IC project, Dr. Neerja Sharma, Chief Scientist, Horticulture, KVK Samba & Dr. Shalini Khajuria, Programme Assistant, KVK, Samba attended & participated in the Programme. While giving the welcoming address, Prof Poonam Parihar highlighted that in the Kandi areas, where low rainfall limits crop production, minor fruits thrive naturally despite the harsh conditions, therefore, developing Agripreneurship through the value addition of these minor fruits presents a significant opportunity for rural women and youth. She also highlighted that it enhances farmers' incomes by leveraging their unique qualities, nutritional benefits, and cultural significance, entrepreneurs can create innovative products, enhance agricultural incomes, and contribute to sustainable practices providing higher value products but also creates local jobs in processing and marketing. Prof Hema Tripath informed the participants about the value addition of minor fruits which can substantially uplift rural livelihoods by creating a range of economic and social benefits. She said that this programme will help to preserve and promote regional identities by showcasing local fruits, contributing to cultural heritage and local pride. She further added that minor fruits with their diverse characteristics and untapped potential, offer significant opportunities for value addition and entrepreneurship. Dr. Sanjay Khajuria said that value addition is an important aspect of Agripreneurship, significantly enhancing the economic value of agricultural products through various processes and innovations. He said that that value addition of minor fruits contribute to poverty reduction and livelihood
enhancement as well as ensure household food and nutritional security adding women participation through employment and income generation. Prof Jagmohan Singh, Head, Division of Post-Harvest Management briefed the participants about the importance of value addition, industrial growth, urbanization & globalization. He laid practical demonstration on Value addition of Karonda into many value added bi-products e.g., Karonda Squash & Karonda pickle etc. The Programme was attended by S. Sarabjeet Singh, Senior Technical Assistant, DoAEE, Mr.Mukesh, Kumar, Artist cum photographer & UG, PG & Ph.D students of SKUAST-Jammu.,The programme was concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr. Neerja Sharma. |
