A five-day Entrepreneurship and Skill Development Programme focused on walnut processing kicked off at SKUAST-K’s KVK Ganderbal on Monday.
Organised in collaboration with the Division of Food Sciences and Technology, SKUAST-K, and sponsored by the National Horticulture Board, the programme is designed to empower walnut growers and farm women with the skills to develop value-added walnut products, the university said in a press release issued here.
The event is being held under the mentorship of Prof D M Makhdoomi, Director Extension. The inaugural session featured Prof Feroz Ahmad Bhat, Dean of the Faculty of Fisheries, as the Chief Guest, and Dr Ishfaq Abidi, Chief Scientist and Head of KVK Ganderbal, as the Guest of Honour. A significant number of scientists from various faculties, including those from Food Science & Technology (FST) and Islamic University of Science and Technology (IUST), were in attendance.
During the opening remarks, Prof Feroz Ahmad called for utilising the latest techniques in walnut processing to maximise profits and encouraged trainees to establish processing units, thereby strengthening their link with KVK for better economic outcomes.
Dr Ishfaq Abidi highlighted the critical role of walnuts in the economy of Jammu & Kashmir, noting the widespread popularity of Kashmiri walnuts due to their exceptional taste and quality. He urged the young participants to consider entrepreneurial ventures in post-harvest walnut processing.
The programme also included an interface with successful entrepreneurs like Mr Ishfaq Rashid, proprietor of “Cake Smith”, Ms Asiya Ashraf Bhat, proprietor of “11 Spices,” and Mr Abdul Basit Fazili, proprietor of “Safawi Food.” They shared their journeys into the world of processing entrepreneurship, offering valuable insights to the trainees.
Experts from Food Science & Technology, SKUAST-K, IUST, Entrepreneurship Development Institute (EDI), and other institutions are scheduled to deliver specialised lectures and demonstrations throughout the programme. The focus will be on creating value-added walnut products such as Walnut Chikki, Roasted Walnuts, Walnut Honey Dip and Chocolate Coated Walnuts.
