Srinagar, July 30: More than 50  youth received hands-on entrepreneurial training in honey processing, fruit preservation, and value addition during a two-day Skill Development Programme jointly organised by Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Srinagar, under the Directorate of Extension, SKUAST-K, in collaboration with JK Agro Industries Development Corporation Ltd.

Held from July 28–29, the programme focused on creating self-employment opportunities by equipping participants with practical skills across the honey and fruit value chain. Trainees received hands-on exposure to honey collection, purification techniques, quality testing, bottling, labelling and marketing, alongside fruit and vegetable canning and value addition.

Head, KVK Srinagar, Dr. Shamim A. Simnani, said the initiative reflects the Kendra's commitment to nurturing agri-entrepreneurs by inspiring educated youth to establish sustainable agri-based enterprises capable of generating employment and strengthening livelihoods.

Technical sessions were conducted by Dr. Haseeb Ur Rehman and experts from the Honey Processing Facility, Khonmoh, who highlighted the growing business potential in honey processing, fruit preservation, quality control, branding and market linkages. The experts encouraged participants to leverage value addition as a pathway to higher farm incomes and enterprise development.

The participants appreciated the practical orientation of the programme and called for more such entrepreneurship-focused trainings to enable youth to become self-reliant and reduce dependence on government employment.