Waseem Baba
Karnah : Vigyan Prasar (An autonomous organization of Department of Science & Technology, GoI), in collaboration with Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology-Kashmir (SKUAST-K), organized a Skill Development and Capacity Building Workshop for Bioresource Management targeted at the Schedule Tribe (ST) community in Srinagar on 12 April 2023. The workshop was held at Tangdar District Kupwara in the beautiful valley of Kashmir, and witnessed enthusiastic participation from the ST community.
The workshop was facilitated by expert resource persons, including Dr Bharat Bhushan and Dr Gaurav Jain from Vigyan Prasar, and Dr Nasir Masoodi from SKUAST-K, Srinagar. The program was coordinated by Jahangir Haider Chouhan of Tangdar karnha and of the general secretary International Gujjar Mahasabha, J&K chapter. Jahangir Haider played a pivotal role in organizing and coordinating the workshop, ensuring that the participants had a productive and enriching experience.
The team visited the remote tribal areas to conduct the workshop and interacted with approximately 100 participants from the ST community. Through the workshop, the participants were provided with knowledge and skills related to sustainable bioresource management practices. It covered a wide range of subjects, including sustainable harvesting techniques, biodiversity conservation, value addition and processing of bioresources, marketing and entrepreneurship opportunities, and policy and legal frameworks related to bioresource management.
Among the workshop’s highlights was the provision of gardening tool kits, shade nets, polytunnels, media, and planting materials to the participants. They were provided with these resources so they could begin gardening and bioresource management activities on their own. The goal was to provide the ST community with the necessary tools and resources to manage their bioresources and enhance their livelihoods sustainably.
As part of the programme, Dr Bharat Bhushan from Vigyan Prasar discussed the importance of sustainable bioresource management for the ST community, as well as the role of science and technology in enhancing livelihood opportunities. Dr Gaurav Jain shared insights on innovative approaches and best practices in bioresource management. Dr Nasir Masoodi provided valuable insights into the region’s bioresources and their conservation.
During the workshop, participants interacted with experts, shared their perspectives, and learned from their experiences. The practical demonstrations and field visits provided hands-on learning opportunities for the participants to understand the practical aspects of bioresource management.
The Skill Development and Capacity Building Workshop for Bioresource Management by Vigyan Prasar and SKUAST-K was a great success and well-received by the ST community in Srinagar. The participants were very appreciative of the efforts of Vigyan Prasar. They expressed gratitude for the opportunity to enhance their skills and knowledge in this field. Vigyan Prasar is committed to empowering marginalized communities, including the ST community, with scientific knowledge and skills to enable their sustainable development. Such workshops and capacity-building programs play a crucial role in building the capacity of the communities to manage their bioresources effectively and contribute to their livelihood enhancement. The organizations expressed gratitude to the ST community for their active participation and engagement in the workshop and willingness to adopt sustainable bioresource management practices.
