Commencement of Agroforestry Enterprises and Cocoon Production Skill Training at SKUAST-K”

Two one-week entrepreneurship skill development programmes (ESDPs) on agroforestry enterprises for economic empowerment and cocoon crop production began at Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir, Benhama and Mirgund campuses on Saturday.

The ESDPs are organised under the sponsorship of the Union Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises.

A training program titled ‘Raising Awareness of the Socio-Economic Significance of Enterprises in Agroforestry Systems as a Tool for Achieving Economic Empowerment’ is organised by the SKUAST-K’s Division of Silviculture & Agroforestry, Faculty of Forestry.

The second training titled ‘Productivity Improvement in Bi-voltine Cocoon Crop through Skill Enhancement of Job Aspiring Youth’ commenced organised by the SKUAST-K’s College of Temperate Sericulture for the students of Degree College, Hyderpora under the sponsorship of the Union Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises. 30 students and aspiring entrepreneurs are participating in each training.

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Dean, Faculty of Forestry, Prof SA Gangoo, who was the chief guest at the inaugural function, stressed the necessity of conducting skill programs to promote entrepreneurship in Agroforestry Systems, particularly among the educated unemployed youth.

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Head, Division of Silviculture & Agroforestry, Dr GM Bhat emphasised the significance of enterprises in Agroforestry Systems as a Tool for achieving economic empowerment. Dr Megna Bakshi, the Program Coordinator, shed light on various aspects of the training program and the importance of enterprises in Agroforestry Systems. She discussed the program design, emphasizing its focus on providing hands-on training to the participants. Dr NA Pala, Assistant Professor, Division of SAF, presented the vote of thanks.

Director, Research, SKUAST-K, Prof Haroon R Naik, who was the chief guest at the inaugural function of cocoon production training, spoke on the importance and relevance of conducting skill programs for the youth of J&K and Ladakh, who could develop entrepreneurial skills for starting their businesses.

Associate Dean, College of Temperate Sericulture, Prof MF Baqual,  advised participating students to maximize their efforts for setting up startups based on their innovative ideas. He also thanked the university authorities for providing financial assistance through MSME. Earlier Dr SFI Qadri, coordinator of the programme, gave a brief account about the program.

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Agroforestry and Its Benefits: A Holistic Approach to Sustainable Agriculture

Agroforestry is an innovative and sustainable land use system that integrates the cultivation of trees or woody shrubs with traditional agricultural practices. This approach combines the benefits of forestry and agriculture, offering a holistic and environmentally friendly solution to land management. Agroforestry systems are diverse and adaptable, promoting biodiversity, conservation, and improved livelihoods for communities worldwide.

Key Components of Agroforestry:

1. Silvopasture:

• Integrating trees with pastureland for livestock grazing.
• Provides shade for animals, reducing heat stress.
• Enhances forage quality and quantity.

1. Alley Cropping:

• Planting rows of trees alongside crops.
• Improves soil fertility, reduces erosion, and conserves water.
• Creates microclimates beneficial for crop growth.

1. Windbreaks/Shelterbelts:

• Planting trees as barriers to protect crops, livestock, and soil from wind.
• Minimizes wind erosion, conserves moisture, and creates a favorable microclimate.

1. Forest Gardens/Agroforests:

• Mimicking natural forest ecosystems with a mix of trees, shrubs, and crops.
• Enhances biodiversity, provides diverse products, and improves soil fertility.

1. Riparian Buffer Strips:

• Planting trees along water bodies to protect water quality.
• Prevents runoff, filters pollutants, and stabilizes stream banks.

Benefits of Agroforestry:

1. Biodiversity Conservation:

• Promotes diverse ecosystems that support a wide range of plant and animal species.
• Creates habitats for beneficial insects, birds, and other wildlife.

1. Soil Health Improvement:

• Reduces soil erosion and compaction.
• Enhances nutrient cycling and increases organic matter content.

1. Climate Change Mitigation:

• Trees act as carbon sinks, sequestering carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
• Mitigates the impacts of climate change by regulating temperature and precipitation.

1. Increased Productivity:

• Improves crop yields by providing shade, wind protection, and nutrient cycling.
• Diversifies income sources through the production of timber, fruits, nuts, and other products.

1. Water Conservation:

• Reduces water runoff and enhances water infiltration.
• Maintains water quality by preventing soil and nutrient runoff into water bodies.

1. Resilience to Climate Variability:

• Provides a buffer against extreme weather events such as droughts and floods.
• Enhances the adaptability of agricultural systems to changing climate conditions.

1. Economic Viability:

• Diversifies income streams for farmers through the sale of timber, fruits, and other products.
• Reduces dependence on a single crop, mitigating economic risks.

1. Community Development:

• Enhances social and economic well-being in rural communities.
• Fosters sustainable land management practices passed down through generations.

In conclusion, agroforestry stands as a beacon of sustainable agriculture, offering a harmonious integration of trees into traditional farming systems. The multifaceted benefits of agroforestry contribute not only to environmental conservation but also to the economic prosperity and resilience of communities. As the world faces increasing challenges related to climate change and food security, the adoption of agroforestry practices represents a crucial step toward creating resilient, productive, and ecologically balanced landscapes.