Mulberry fruit processing units create employment opportunities for Kashmir youth

Srinagar, July 3 (ANI): The Department of Agro Industry in Jammu and Kashmir has set up food processing units for the production of Mulberry jams and juices to generate employment for the youth and to prevent the rotting of mulberry fruit.

The Sher-E-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (SKUAST) in collaboration with state's agro industries has initiated steps to introduce Mulberry jams and syrups.

The divisional manager of the state agro industries, Mohammad Rafiq Khan, said the setting up of the food processing units would provide employment opportunities to the youth.

"In case our youth is ready to join us they are having good opportunity to try in department of horticulture. The SUKAST has 3 months and 6 months courses in food technology. If they undergo this training, they can come to us for factory training for a month or for two months and can gain technical know how," Khan said.

The unemployed youth appreciated the initiative of the department and said that the private sector should invest in it.

"The mulberry fruit was being wasted. It is a good step taken by the state government as they have set up processing units. If the private sector gets involved in it, it will reap more profits," Sadat Ahmad, an unemployed youth, said.

The department is also trying to acquire a natural colouring agent from the Mulberry fruit, which could be useful to the food industry.

SKUAST has produced mulberry concentrate, mulberry jam, and mulberry resins.

Farmers who own mulberry farms enjoy additional economic benefits from these plantations that were so far used only for silk related items.

Mulberry leaves produce world's famous Kashmir silk, while mulberry fruit is famous for its sweet flavour and for various health benefits. (ANI)