Empowering Women Through Agroforestry-Based Home Gardens: A Seven-Day Entrepreneurship Skill Development Programme
In a significant initiative towards enhancing food security and income among women, the Faculty of Forestry at Benhama–Ganderbal, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K), recently launched a seven-day Entrepreneurship Skill Development Programme (ESDP). The primary focus of this program is to empower women through the establishment of agroforestry-based home gardens.
Sponsored by the Ministry of MSME, Government of India, the inaugural session of the training program witnessed the presence of esteemed guests including Dr A. Arunachalam, Director of ICAR–CAFRI; Dr M. K. Verma, Director of ICAR–CITH; and Dr H. R. Naik, Director Research at SKUAST-K. The speakers emphasized the crucial role of agroforestry in promoting climate-resilient farming practices and highlighted the significance of women-led initiatives in fostering sustainable agriculture.
Dr Megna Rashid, the Programme Coordinator, provided an overview of the training objectives, underscoring the importance of agroforestry-based home gardens in enhancing livelihoods and building climate resilience among women participants.
Dr Arshad H. Mughal, Dean of the Faculty of Forestry, stressed the profitability and sustainability of agroforestry, even on marginal lands. By improving soil health, conserving moisture, enhancing biodiversity, and creating multiple livelihood opportunities, agroforestry emerges as a promising avenue for women empowerment and agricultural development.
The programme concluded with expressions of gratitude towards all participants and contributors for their active involvement and support towards the cause of empowering women through agroforestry-based initiatives.
