English
Arabic
Chinese (Simplified)
Russian
Spanish
Urdu
Benhama : The Division of Forest Biology and Tree Improvement at SKUAST-Kashmir, with sponsorship from the Ministry of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME), successfully conducted a one-day Entrepreneurship Awareness Programme (EAP) titled “Forest Botanicals Viz-a-Viz Women Trailblazers” at the Faculty of Forestry, Benhama.
The program focused on empowering women through entrepreneurial ventures in forest botanicals—plants and herbs valued for their extensive applications in traditional medicine, skincare, and holistic wellness. Over 50 women from Benhama and Watlar participated in hands-on training sessions, learning cultivation techniques and exploring entrepreneurial opportunities in the forest-based botanical sector.
Prof. S.A. Gangoo, Dean of the Faculty of Forestry, inaugurated the program, emphasizing the significant role of women entrepreneurs in fostering social and environmental progress. Dr. Sabeena Nabi, Assistant Professor and Program Coordinator, outlined the potential of forest-based startups to create sustainable livelihoods while contributing to the rapidly growing wellness and sustainability sectors.
A series of expert-led sessions were delivered by Prof. Gangoo, Dr. Sabeena Nabi, and Dr. Ashfaq Mir, focusing on entrepreneurship development, cultivation practices, and the market dynamics of forest botanicals.
In her concluding address, Dr. Sabeena Nabi expressed gratitude to the Hon’ble Vice-Chancellor Prof. N.A. Ganai, Director of Planning and Monitoring Prof. H.R. Naik, and Prof. P.A. Khan, Head of the Division of Forest Biology and Tree Improvement, for their invaluable support. She also acknowledged MSME’s sponsorship and extended special thanks to Ms. Asma Sultan, Ph.D. scholar, for her active guidance to participants, and to the event team, including Mr. Riyaz, Mr. Suhil Mir, Mr. Rafeeq, and Mr. Bashir, for their contributions to the event’s success.
This initiative underscores SKUAST-K’s commitment to promoting women-led entrepreneurship in natural products while advancing sustainability and environmental stewardship.
