Srinagar, August 4: Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K), in collaboration with the Department of Floriculture, Gardens and Parks, Government of Jammu & Kashmir, organised a one-day capacity-building program for 80 progressive floriculture growers under the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH) at the Division of Floriculture and Landscaping, Shalimar.

The programme focused on modern production technologies, marketing strategies and entrepreneurship in commercial floriculture, highlighting the sector's growing potential as a high-value enterprise for employment generation and economic upliftment. The training also reflected SKUAST-K's commitment to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship under the vision of Vice-Chancellor Prof. Nazir Ahmad Ganai and the implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP).
Welcoming the participants, Prof. F.U. Khan highlighted the importance of capacity building for strengthening the floriculture sector. Mr. Shaik Rasool, Deputy Director, Department of Floriculture, Gardens and Parks, briefed growers on various government support schemes available for the industry. Prof. Qazi Altaf Hussain, Head, Division of Floriculture and Landscaping, outlined the significance of the programme and discussed a roadmap for the sustainable growth of commercial floriculture in the region.
Addressing the gathering as Chief Guest, Prof. Raihana Habib Kanth, Director Extension and Dean, Faculty of Horticulture, SKUAST-K, stressed that commercial floriculture has emerged as a promising livelihood avenue capable of generating employment while meeting the growing demand for aesthetic landscaping and ornamental plants. She encouraged both growers and students to explore entrepreneurship opportunities in the sector.
A major highlight of the program was the interaction with three SKUAST-K student startups: ARJ Innovations (founded by Urbina Jain), Gul Poosh (founded by Tooba), and Florenza (founded by Sobia). The young entrepreneurs shared their experiences of establishing successful floriculture enterprises, inspiring growers with their business journeys. Within just two months, each startup successfully raised nearly 1.5 lakh chrysanthemum plants, demonstrating the strong economic potential of commercial floriculture, with an estimated 1:10 economic return ratio.
The programme was attended by faculty members of the Division of Floriculture and Landscaping, including Prof. Z.A. Bhat, Prof. K.M. Malik, Prof. N.H. Masoodi, Dr. Raiz A. Lone, Dr. Gazanfer Gani and Dr. Z.A. Rather.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks, followed by an exposure visit to the Division's floriculture farm, where participants observed nearly five lakh rooted chrysanthemum cuttings, including multiflora and several other commercial varieties, showcasing advanced propagation and production practices adopted by SKUAST-K.