SKUAST-K organizes Entrepreneurship Awareness Programmes on “Pollination management in Cucurbits-For Yield and Quality Improvement”

Pulwama: Division of Vegetable Science SKUAST-K organized 3 One Day Entrepreneurship Awareness Programmes (EAP) on “Pollination management in Cucurbits-For Yield and Quality Improvement”- sponsored by Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise (MSME), GOI Division of Vegetable Sciences, SKUAST-K, Shalimar organized one day Entrepreneurship Awareness Programmes (EAP) on “Pollination management in Cucurbits-For Yield and Quality Improvement”- sponsored by Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise (MSME), GOI.

The aim of the programme was to create awareness among the rural youth, vegetable growers, entrepreneurs, progressive farmers and farm women. The motive was to educate the farmers and entrepreneurs regarding optimization of pollination process in cucurbits in order to achieve higher crop yields and improved fruit quality.

In addition the motive was to equip them with the knowledge and skills necessary to enhance the productivity and quality of cucurbit crops through effective pollination management. This is especially important because cucurbit plants rely on pollinators, primarily bees, to transfer pollen from male to female flowers, leading to fruit development. Proper pollination management can significantly impact cucurbit crop production.

Dr. Asima Amin, Training Co-ordinator, conducted the trainings at three different locations i.e. Dadsara Tral, Nowdal, Tral and Repora B, Ganderbal on 6th, 9th and 17th of October, 2023 respectively. About 150 people participated in the program. During the programmes lectures were delivered by experts from Division of Vegetable Sciences.

The participants were provided with in-depth knowledge about the role of pollinators in cucurbit crops and the factors that affect pollination. The knowledge and training provided to the farmers is crucial for making informed decisions in their agricultural ventures.

Participants can make better decisions about crop management, pest control and the use of pesticides, taking into account the impact on pollinators. This can lead to more sustainable and environment-friendly practices.

The farmers learnt that proper pollination management can reduce the need for manual or chemical interventions to correct issues related to fruit development. They can save on labor and input costs by optimizing pollination. Effective pollination management can lead to a longer and more extended harvest period, ensuring a more continuous and reliable supply of cucurbit produce to the market.

The training co-ordinator thanked all the participants for their active participation and engagement which made these programmes a great success. She was also thankful to Nodal Officer MSME Dr. Haroon Naik and Head Division of Vegetable Science Dr. Baseerat Afroza for giving her an opportunity for conducting three EAP programmes successfully at three different locations of UT of Kashmir.