SKUAST-K delegation led by VC Prof. Nazir A. Ganai visits VMS; promises to support strengthening livelihood opportunities for PwDs

STC NEWS DESK
SRINAGAR, DECEMBER 11 (STC): The Voluntary Medicare Society (VMS), Bemina, Wednesday hosted a distinguished delegation from the Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences & Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K), led by the Vice-Chancellor Prof. Nazir A. Ganai. The visit was driven by the visiting dignitary’s compassion and empathy for the persons with disabilities (PwDs.) He had earlier listed some areas where SKUAST could take some initiatives for the livelihood empowerment of PwDs through agriculture and allied sectors.

The visiting delegation included the Director Research, Head of Food Science, Head of Floriculture, Head of Vegetable Science, the Campus Development Officer. The delegation was warmly welcomed by the VMS management comprising Prof. (Dr.) Mir Mohammad Maqbool, Founder& President, Executive Members , and Administration of VMS.
The team then took a roundup of the VMS premises to see as to how the university could improve the landscape and develop it as a wellness and happiness centre.
The central focus of the visit was a detailed discussion on creating sustainable livelihood avenues for PwDs through different pastoral practices. While the VMS highlighted its ongoing vocational initiatives and the potential for joint programs with SKUAST-K, SKUAST team expressed keen interest in collaborating on skill development, training modules, and capacity-building interventions for PwDs.
Experts from SKUAST-K assessed possibilities for technical enhancement, crop diversification, and developing the unit as a model centre for protected cultivation. The team also discussed supporting VMS in setting up demonstration plots for student learning and beneficiary training.

Some enthusiastic PwDs on this occasion interacted with the team and gave vent to their feelings and wanted to be helped in setting up units at their respective places. The VC instructed his team to prepare list of such entrepreneurs for connecting them with respective KVKs and line departments for help and support to promote their inclusivity. The proposed partnership will cover training in protected cultivation, floriculture, mushroom cultivation, and food processing; entrepreneurship development for PwDs; handholding support for livelihood units; research collaborations; and using VMS as a demonstration and practical exposure site for SKUAST-K students.
The visit concluded with remarks from the Vice-Chancellor, who appreciated the efforts of VMS in serving the disability sector in Jammu & Kashmir for over five decades. VMS leadership acknowledged the commitment of SKUAST-K in extending technical support for strengthening livelihood opportunities for PwDs.
(Straight Talk Communications)