Medicinal & Aromatic Plants in Focus
KD NEWS SERVICE
SRINAGAR, July 24: The Faculty of Forestry, Sher-e Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K) commenced a 7-day Training Programme focusing on Value Addition, Product Development, and Entrepreneurial Opportunities in Medicinal and Aromatic Plants.
The program, sponsored by NAHEP SKUAST-K, aims to equip participants with essential knowledge and skills to tap into the potential of this thriving sector.
The inaugural ceremony took place at the university campus, with prominent faculty members and scientists gracing the event. Dr. Amarjeet Singh, Assistant Professor, Division of Forest Products and Utilization, delivered the welcome address, extending a warm welcome to the participants and fellow scientists attending the program.
Dr. Tahir Mushtaq, Assistant Professor, Division of Forest Products and Utilization, who is also oraganizng secretary of the training, shed light on the contents of the training program, highlighting its significance in the field of medicinal and aromatic plants. Emphasizing the entrepreneurial opportunities in this domain, he urged the participants to make the most of the program to explore the potential of this industry.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. P.A. Sofi, Professor and Head Division of Forest Products and Utilization, underscored the importance of Medicinal and Aromatic plants and commended the efforts of the organizing secretary, Dr. Tahir Mushtaq, and Dr. Akhlaq Amin Wani, coordinator NAHEP Faculty of Forestry, for securing the funding for these training programs. Dr. Sofi emphasized that medicinal plants offer a significant scope for product development and present lucrative business opportunities.
Prof. S.A. Gangoo, Dean Faculty of Forestry SKUAST-K, in his speech discussed the exciting startup prospects in the Medicinal and Aromatic plants sector. He expressed optimism that the participants of the training program would be motivated to establish their own startups after gaining valuable insights from the course.
The vote of thanks was extended by Dr. N.A. Pala, Assistant Professor, Division of Silviculture and Agroforestry, expressing gratitude to all attendees and organizers for their contributions. The program was moderated by Dr. Ishrat Saleem. The event witnessed the presence of esteemed scientists and faculty members, including Dr. Aijaz Ul Islam, Dr. AR Malik, Dr. G.M Bhat, Dr. Peerzada Ishtiyak, Dr. Sabeena Nabi, Dr. Aasif Ali Gatoo, Dr. Aasshfaq A Mir, Dr. Vaishnu Dutt, Dr. Iqbal Jeelani, Dr. Khursheed Ahmad, Dr. Shah Murtaza, Dr. Aamir Farooq, and participants.
The 7-day Training Programme aims to empower individuals to harness the potential of medicinal and aromatic plants, contributing to the growth of this sector while fostering entrepreneurship and innovation.(KNS)
