Srinagar: The Voluntary Medicare Society (VMS), Bemina, today hosted a distinguished delegation from the Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences & Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K), led by the Hon’ble Vice-Chancellor Prof. Nazir A. Ganai. The visit, held on 10 December 2025 from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM, aimed to explore collaborative initiatives for the livelihood empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (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, and Dr. Masood Saleem from SKUAST-K. The delegation was warmly welcomed by the VMS management comprising Prof. (Dr.) Mir Mohammad Maqbool, Founder and President; Dr Farooq A. Kaloo, Secretary; Executive Members , and Administration of VMS.
The program began with a brief welcome and presentation on the wide-ranging services offered by VMS.
The central focus of the visit was a detailed discussion on creating sustainable livelihood avenues for PwDs through agricultural and horticultural practices. VMS highlighted its ongoing vocational initiatives and the potential for joint programs with SKUAST-K. The SKUAST-K team expressed keen interest in collaborating on skill development, training modules, and capacity-building interventions for PwDs.
The delegation later visited the Green House/Poly House facility established at VMS. 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 landscaping, campus beautification, and setting up demonstration plots for student learning and beneficiary training.
The visit concluded with remarks from the Hon’ble 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. A group photograph marked the conclusion of the successful engagement.
