SKUAST-J VC inaugurates training programme on Value Addition in Floriculture

STATE TIMES NEWS

REASI: Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Reasi under the administrative control of Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology-Jammu started vocational training programme on “Value Addition in Floriculture” here today at Sirah village in Reasi district of J&K which was enthusiastically attended by a large number of women farmers of the area. The programme was inaugurated by the Hon’ble Vice Chancellor of SKUAST-J, Prof.JP Sharma. Director Extension of SKUAST-J, Dr.SK Gupta briefed the objectives of the programme and urged the participants to avail the benefits of experts. All the SOPs under COVID-19 pandemic were strictly followed while conducting the programme. The dignitaries were welcomed by Dr.Banarsi Lal, Sr.Scientist-cum-Head, KVK, Reasi. The major objective of the programme was to boost the value addition in floriculture and to provide technical assistance to the women farmers for their better returns.
While addressing the farmers the Chief Guest said said that by the value addition in floriculture farmers can gain more profits. In his speech he suggested the participants to take up commercial value added floriculture as an enterprise which can enable them to earn more profit as compared to other crops. He narrated that after worship the flowers and the waste flowers can be utilized in producing different types of products. He said the farmers to avail the opportunities in this sector. He spoke in length on marketing, branding and packaging of agro products. He also motivated the farm women by giving the success stories of successful agri-entrepreneurs. Mr.Poonam Sehrawat gave a detail view on waste marigold flowers and educated farm women on the value addition in floriculture. She guided the participants on the post- harvest management practices in marigold flowers. Dr.Banarsi Lal, Sr.Scientist-cum-Head, KVK, Reasi said that there is ample scope for the waste flowers products at the religious spots. He added that Vaishno Devi Shrine is visited by the millions of devotees every year and waste flowers products such as gods idols, agarbati, doop etc. can be easily marketed. He added that this can improve the livelihood of farm women. DDM, NABARD, Adarsh Gupta spoke on the banking facilities for SHGs. Dr. Lalit Upadhyay, Dr.Sanjay Kaushal, Dr.Suja Nabi Qureshi, Dr. Lobzan Stanzing, Dr.Arvinder Kumar, Preeti Choudhary and Jagdish Kumar were also present during the programme. The programme was assisted by Manohar Lal and Dr. Sanjay Kaushal proposed the vote of thanks.