The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine (CSIR-IIIM) Jammu, in collaboration with the Ministry of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME), successfully concluded a seven-day Advanced Entrepreneurship Skill Development Program (A-ESDP) at its Srinagar branch on March 15, 2025. Rising Kashmir+1knskashmir.com+1
Program Objectives and Focus
The workshop aimed to promote innovation, self-reliance, and rural entrepreneurship by providing training in: Rising Kashmir+1knskashmir.com+1
- Medicinal plant cultivation knskashmir.com+3knskashmir.com+3Rising Kashmir+3
- Mushroom farming Rising Kashmir
- Honey production knskashmir.com+1Rising Kashmir+1
- Crop diversification Rising Kashmir+1knskashmir.com+1
These areas are pivotal for creating sustainable livelihood opportunities and reducing dependence on traditional farming methods. Rising Kashmir+1knskashmir.com+1
Inaugural Ceremony Highlights
The program was inaugurated by Dr. Zabeer Ahmed, Director of CSIR-IIIM Jammu, who emphasized the growing culture of agri-startups and the program’s alignment with the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat and doubling farmers’ income. He highlighted the transformative potential of crop diversification, citing the successful lavender cultivation under the Aroma Mission in Jammu and Kashmir as a model for empowering farmers and boosting agri-startups. Rising Kashmir+1knskashmir.com+1
Guest Insights
Dr. O.P. Sharma, former Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, highlighted the rich biodiversity of Jammu and Kashmir and its potential for developing sustainable enterprises in herbal products and eco-tourism. He encouraged participants to explore biodiversity-based ventures to meet the rising global demand for natural products. knskashmir.com+1Rising Kashmir+1Rising Kashmir+1knskashmir.com+1
Mr. Surinder Singh, Deputy General Manager of NABARD, detailed financial schemes and support mechanisms available for startups and entrepreneurs. He urged the youth to leverage these resources to scale their ventures, emphasizing NABARD’s commitment to providing technical and financial backing to innovative agri-startups. knskashmir.com+1Rising Kashmir+1Rising Kashmir+1knskashmir.com+1
Participant Engagement
The program welcomed 24 participants from across India, who received hands-on training in high-value sectors such as medicinal and aromatic plants, mushroom cultivation, and apiculture. These skills are critical for creating livelihood opportunities and reducing dependency on traditional crops. Rising Kashmir+1knskashmir.com+1knskashmir.com+1Rising Kashmir+1
Conclusion
The successful conclusion of the A-ESDP in Srinagar underscores the importance of skill development and entrepreneurship in the agricultural sector. By equipping participants with practical knowledge and resources, such programs play a crucial role in fostering innovation, self-reliance, and sustainable economic growth in rural communities
