A seven-day Advanced Entrepreneurship Skill Development Program came to a close at the CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine (IIIM) Srinagar, with a valedictory function presided over by Dr. Zabeer Ahmed, Director of CSIR-IIIM Jammu. The program aimed to empower aspiring entrepreneurs with the knowledge and skills needed to explore crop diversification through medicinal and aromatic plants (MAPs) and enhance their income through innovative agricultural practices. Dr. Ahmed emphasized the importance of entrepreneurship in today’s economy, urging participants to choose the path of startups and entrepreneurship rather than waiting for government jobs. He also stressed the need for promoting crop diversification to more than double farmers’ income, highlighting the potential of medicinal and aromatic plants in achieving this goal.
The program featured a series of lectures, interactive sessions, and success stories from experts, banking institutions, government officers, and successful entrepreneurs. Participants expressed their satisfaction with the training, particularly appreciating the opportunity to interact with successful business entrepreneurs in aromatic and medicinal plants, mushroom cultivation, apiculture, and other allied sectors. The program included sessions on marketing strategies for MAPs, mushroom cultivation, value addition, and entrepreneurship development, as well as the scope of medicinal and aromatic plant cultivation in Ladakh and financial inclusion for entrepreneurs. The participants also visited successful business enterprises in aromatic and medicinal plants, mushroom growers, and honey growers to understand their business models.
Overall, the program provided a comprehensive understanding of the potential of medicinal and aromatic plants in enhancing farmers’ income and promoting entrepreneurship in the region. The participants left with a newfound confidence and the skills needed to start their own businesses, thanks to the guidance and support of the event organizers and experts. With the right guidance and resources, these entrepreneurs can make a significant impact in the region, creating jobs and stimulating economic growth.