 Early Times Report
JAMMU, Nov 15: A one-day Skill Development Workshop on Horticulture Techniques was organised in Government GLDM Degree College Hiranagar under the aegis of Institutional Innovation Council (IIC). The workshop was organised under the guidance and leadership of the Principal, Dr. Pragya Khanna, with an objective of strengthening practical knowledge and employability skills among students.
At the outset, Principal Dr. Pragya Khanna addressed the participants and highlighted the importance of skill-based learning in the modern agricultural and environmental sector. She emphasized that horticulture is an emerging career field offering opportunities in nursery management, landscaping, orchard development, and agric-entrepreneurship. She encouraged students to learn scientific techniques and apply them for sustainable agriculture and self-reliance.
The workshop was conducted as part of the College's Skill Development and Innovation Initiatives and included extensive session on essential horticultural practices.
The technical session was led by the Resource Person Deoshish Attri, Horticulture Development Officer Hiranagar who delivered an insightful lecture on modern horticultural methods and their relevance in climate-resilient agriculture. This was followed by a hands-on practical demonstration where students actively participated in seed sowing, grafting trials, soil mixing, and nursery bed preparation. The key components of the workshop included: 1.Crop Classification, Differentiation of fruits, vegetables, ornamentals, medicinal plants, and spices; understanding seasonal crops; Classification based on lifecycle and climatic requirements. 2. Crop Identification: Familiarization with common horticultural species; identifying features such as leaf structure, stem type, root system, and growth habits. 3. Nursery Preparation: Selection of site, soil preparation, sterilization of soil, seed treatment, use of nursery trays, polybags, and raised beds. 4. Seed Sowing Methods: Broadcasting, line sowing, dibbling, and transplanting techniques. 5. Propagation Techniques: Vegetative Propagation: Cutting, layering, grafting, budding, rhizomes, tubers. 6. Preparation of Potting Mixture: Composition of soil, sand, vermicompost, and organic manure. A team comprising of Atul Sharma, Horticulture Technician, Anshuman, Assiatant and Murti , Gardener from Department of Horticulture, Hiranagar, gave hands on training to aspiring students.
President IIC, Dr. Anupma Arora, in her welcome address focused on the importance of integrating horticultural skills with innovation and entrepreneurship. She urged students to explore opportunities in plant nurseries, ornamental gardening, and agri-startups, aligning with the goals of Atam Nirbhar Bharat. She informed that the programme will be followed by three more phases in coming future. The event was successfully managed by Organising Secretaries Dr. Bhawna Jamwal and Prof. Neeru Sharma, who ensured the effective execution of all sessions and student participation. The faculty members present in the workshop were Dr. Poonam Kamotra, Prof. Rakesh Sharma, Prof. Amit Sharma, Prof. Shapia, Prof. Ganga, Prof. Tamana, Dr. Ridham, Prof. Divya, Dr. Manpreet, Dr. Nishu, and Prof. Pinky. Principal Dr. Pragya Khanna congratulated the entire team for hosting a highly impactful and skill-oriented workshop and encouraged students to apply the acquired knowledge in real-life practices.The workshop ended with an interactive session and a note of thanks to all the attendees. |
