Gurez Valley harnessing dividends from HADP programme on Promotion of wool/ pelt processing & Marketing

BANDIPORA, AUGUST 05: A two days programme was organized by the Division of Livestock Products Technology, FVSc&AH Shuhama under the ambit of HADP- Promotion of wool/ pelt processing & Marketing in collaboration with Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) Gurez SKUAST-Kashmir at Dangithal and Purana Tulail -the most far-flung areas of Gurez Valley.

The programme was conducted under the directions of the Vice Chancellor SKUAST-Kashmir, Prof. Nazir Ahmad Ganie; Director Research SKUAST-Kashmir, Prof. Haroon Rashid Naik and the Director Extension & Education, Prof. Dil Mohammad Mukhdoomi.

Speaking on the occasion, Head Division Dr Asif Hassan highlighted the purpose of the programme at Dangithal and informed that the project aims at inculcating knowledge to interested aspirants (unemployed rural girls) through capacity building programmes followed by hand-holding support in the form of processing tools and techniques (Table Tap Paddle Operated Charkha) besides facilitation in branding and marking of woolen products.

A group of interested artisans shall be formed in this endeavour, informed Dr Asif.

The team then visited Purana Tulail to assess the impact of interventions (Modified Charka for spinning and Loom for product development) given last year to a group of artisans after attaining necessary training.

It was informed that the group has come-up with designing of different products developed from local Gurezi sheep wool using the given prototype facilitating them to earn more income besides ease out the drudgery to a significant extent by replacing the ‘local Takli’. It was observed during the visit that the concerned artisans, however, need some advanced training and fine tuning to develop more attractive products to earn a good market.

Dr. Hilal Ahmad Malik Head KVK Gurez informed that besides giving a strong push to agriculture and allied sectors through well-designed training and demonstrations by KVK Gurez, the Kendra also focus on blending of science with the wisdom and knowledge of local people in the form of Indigenous Technical Knowledge (ITK)’ as instrumental tool in motivating and advocating different prototypes including Table Tap Paddle Operated Charkha and modified loom for drudgery reduction , quality produce and income generation through development of different heritage products.

Dr. Mudasir Magary (Scientist MAR&ES, Gurez) also spoke on the occasion. The participants acknowledged and appreciated the efforts of SKUAST-Kashmir for inculcating the knowledge & skill, enhancement of income through establishment of small ventures and improving the quality of life even in far-flung areas of Gurez valley.