Srinagar, March 27: The Department of Botany, Kashmir University (KU), concluded a weeklong skill development and training program for youth on agri start-ups emphasizing the economic viability, cultivation, and commercialization of medicinal and aromatic plants, ornamentals, and mushrooms here Tuesday.
An official announcement said that the course, ‘Empowering Potential, Fostering Future: Building Entrepreneurship for Self-Employment’, encouraged start-ups and entrepreneurship to empower adolescents with practical skills.
Professor Nilofer Khan, KU Vice Chancellor, said cooperation and coordination make institutions and people succeed, empowering young and fostering creativity.
“The journey begins now as the university will mentor the future start-ups, monitor them and provide seed money for their connectivity and marketing,” Prof. Khan said, reiterating KU’s commitment to fostering entrepreneurship and innovation to serve the institution and community.
Prof. Naseer Iqbal, KU Registrar, praised the Department of Botany for organizing the event, emphasizing its importance in fostering self-employment.
“We need to keep a track of such programs to further strengthen the varsity’s skill, entrepreneurship, and start-up endeavors,” he said, adding that everyone needs skills.
Professor Abdul Hamid Wani, dean of KU’s School of Biological Sciences, praised the program’s holistic approach to agri start-ups and entrepreneurship.
“This is a billion-dollar industry and we must start somewhere,” he said.
Head of Department of Botany, Prof Zahoor Ahmad Kaloo, shared success stories of Kashmiri entrepreneurs and highlighted the practical training and field excursions that enhanced participants’ learning experience.
Professor Aijaz Ahmad Wani, Programme Convenor, gave a detailed overview on the weekly events and thanked the Vice Chancellor for supporting the department’s regional development efforts.
The botany faculty, Dr Anzar Ahmad Khuroo, Dr M Arief Zargar, and Dr M Yaqub Bhat, also spoke.
The curriculum included guest lectures by distinguished scientists, hands-on training, and field trips to growing and commercialization centers.
The spokeswoman said the State Medicinal Plant Board invited KU to construct a Herbal Garden and organize capacity-building programs as a good result of the program.
Participant certificates were also issued.
The statement said Dr. Seema Singh, Associate Professor of Botany, led the proceedings and Prof. Manzoor Ahmad Shah offered the official vote of gratitude.
