 Early Times Report
JAMMU, Apr 24: Training Programme on Value added Agriculture: A Pathway to prosperity in Kandi Areas of Jammu was organized by the Division of Agricultural Extension Education, SKUAST-Jammu (sponsored by JKST&IC project) for the Rural Women & Youths of village Badholi, block Dinga Amb of District Kathua under the noble guidance & dynamic leadership of Vice Chancellor, Prof. B.N. Tripathi. Professor P.S. Slathia (Co-PI of the JKST&IC project), Division of Agricultural Extension Education, Prof Jagmohan Singh, Head, Division of Post-Harvest Management, Prof Poonam Parihar (PI of the JKST&IC project), Division of Agricultural Extension Education, Dr. Brijesh Aijarawat, Chief Scientist Extension Education, KVK Kathua & Dr. Neerja Sharma (Co-PI of the JKST&IC project) & Chief Scientist, Horticulture, KVK Samba attended & participated in the Programme. While giving the welcoming address,
Prof P.S. Slathia highlighted that in the rural Kandi Areas in Jammu where low rainfall limits crop production, minor fruits thrive naturally despite the harsh conditions, therefore, developing Agripreneurship through the value addition of these minor fruits since the rural Kandi Area in Jammu is dominated by traditional and minor fruits like Desi mango, Gal gal, Chakotra, Jhamiri, Khatta, Kimb, Ber, Aonla, Jamun, Karonda, Phalsa & Bael etc. which presents a significant opportunity for rural women and youth. There is a vast production of underutilized and underexploited minor horticultural crops which could be used as the "future crops" to supplement our nutritional needs.
Professor Poonam Parihar, Principal Investigator of the Project deliberated upon the value addition of minor fruits which can substantially uplift rural livelihoods by creating a range of economic and social benefits. She said that this programme will help to preserve and promote regional identities by showcasing local fruits, contributing to cultural heritage and local pride. She further added that A shift from agriculture to agribusiness is an essential pathway to revitalize Indian agriculture and to make more attractive and profitable venture. Agripreneurship has the potential to contribute to a range of social & economic development such as employment generation, income generation, poverty reduction & improvements in nutrition, health & overall food security in the National economy. Aripreneurship has potential to generate growth, diversifying income, providing widespread employment and entrepreneurial opportunities in rural areas and the minor fruits with their diverse characteristics and untapped potential, offer significant opportunities for value addition and entrepreneurship which enhances farmers' incomes by leveraging their unique qualities, nutritional benefits, and cultural significance.
Prof Jagmohan Singh, Head, Division of Post-Harvest Management briefed the participants about the importance of value addition, industrial growth, urbanization & globalization. He laid practical demonstrations on Value addition of Mango & Ber into many values added bi-products e.g., Mango Squash, Mango Juice & Ber Candies.
Dr Neerja Sharma, Chief-Scientist, Horticulture, KVK Samba said that value addition is an important aspect of Agripreneurship, significantly enhancing the economic value of agricultural products through various processes and innovations. Entrepreneurs can create innovative products, enhance agricultural incomes, and contribute to sustainable practices not only providing higher value products but also creates local jobs in processing and marketing.
Dr. Brijesh Aijarawat, Chief Scientist, Extension Education, KVK Kathua discussed about the value addition of minor fruits Which contributes to poverty reduction and livelihood enhancement as well as ensure household food and nutritional security adding women participation through employment and income generation. The Programme was attended by Mukesh, Kumar, Artist cum photographer & UG, PG & Ph.D students of SKUAST-Jammu. The programme was concluded with a vote of thanks by Smt. Sudesha Rani Panch of the village Badholi |
