Srinagar: KVK Ganderbal organises five days Entrepreneurship & Skill Development Programme on Walnut processing for walnut growers and farm-women in collaboration with Division of Food Sciences and Technology, SKUAST-K sponsored under National Horticulture Board sponsored project entitled “Utilization of broken walnut kernels for development of Value-added Products” w.e.f; 19th August 2024.
The programme is being organised under the mentorship of Prof. D. M. Makhdoomi, Director Extension.The inaugural function of programmehad Dean, Faculty of Fisheries, Prof.Feroz Ahmad Bhat and Chief Scientist & Head, KVK Ganderbal, Dr.IshfaqAbidi as Chief Guest and Guest of Honour respectively. Large number of scientists from FST, KVK Ganderbal, IUST and other faculties attended the programme. Dr Feroz Ahmad stressed on the trainees to make full use of latest techniques to set up processing units & strengthen this linkage with KVK for better returns.
Dr.IshfaqAbidi, Chief Scientist and Head, KVK Ganderbal highlighted the importance of Walnut in the economy of J & K and emphasised the popularity of Kashmiri walnut throughout India and abroad owing to its taste and quality. He encouraged the young trainees to take up entrepreneurial ventures in Walnut post-harvest and processing.Interface with prominent entrepreneurs Mr. Ishfaq Rashid, “Prop. Cake Smith”, Ms. Asiya Ashraf Bhat, “Prop. 11 Spices” and Mr. Abdul BasitFazili, “Prop. SafawiFood”,was also the part of the programme where in they shared their experiences of how they turned into a processing entrepreneurship. Experts from Food Science & Technology, SKUAST-K, IUST, EDI, Entrepreneurs, KVK’s are scheduled to deliver special lectures and demonstrations to the trainees on making Value added products like Walnut Chikki, Roasted Walnuts, Walnut Honey Dip and Chocolate Coated Walnuts etc.
