Bandipora, Feb 01: Sponsored by the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME), Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) Gurez today inaugurated a week-long training programme on “Management of Cultivation, Processing and Marketing for Entrepreneurship Development in Medicinal Plants of Gurez Valley” at Gurez Sarai. The programme marks a significant step towards promoting green entrepreneurship and sustainable livelihood opportunities in the high-altitude Himalayan region of Gurez.
The inaugural session commenced with a welcome address by Dr Jauhar Rafeeq, Scientist (Agroforestry), KVK Gurez and Training Coordinator, who briefed the participants about the objectives and structure of the programme. He emphasized the immense untapped potential of medicinal and aromatic plants (MAPs) in Gurez Valley and highlighted that scientific cultivation, value addition and market-oriented strategies can transform the sector into a viable source of income while ensuring ecological conservation.
Dr Rafeeq further informed that KVK Gurez has undertaken several strategic initiatives for promotion and conservation of MAPs, including systematic collection of diverse germplasm accessions, submission of germplasm to the National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources (NBPGR), New Delhi for accession number allotment, and regular capacity-building programmes across the valley.
Addressing the gathering, Dr Hilal Ahmad Malik, Head KVK/MAR&ES Gurez, highlighted the pioneering role of KVK Gurez in strengthening the MAP sector. He stated that KVK has successfully established an in-house Medicinal and Aromatic Plants Bank, which serves as an important hub for conservation, research and farmer-oriented demonstrations.
Experts during the programme deliberated on critical aspects such as scientific cultivation practices, post-harvest processing, value addition, quality control and market linkages, which are essential for successful entrepreneurship.
Dr Shahida Altaf highlighted the role of medicinal plants in enhancing honey bee production and strengthening apiculture-based livelihoods, while Ms. Munaza apprised the participants about various developmental and extension activities being carried out at MAR&ES to support local communities.
The Training Coordinator expressed gratitude to the Hon’ble Vice-Chancellor SKUAST-K, Prof. Nazir Ahmad Ganai, Director Extension, Prof. Raihana Habib Kanth, Director Planning and Monitoring, Prof. Haroon Rashid Naik, and the Ministry of MSME for their continued support.
The programme is being attended by 25 learned and highly motivated female participants from Gurez Valley, along with scientific and technical staff, and is expected to pave the way for a promising future of medicinal plant-based entrepreneurship in the region.
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