Garhwal Post Bureau
Dehradun, 7 Jul: The Atal Community Innovation Centre, Uttaranchal University Foundation, has successfully organised two livelihood-focused skill development programmes in collaboration with Adarsh Yuva Samiti and ARPAN (Association for Rural Planning and Action). The initiatives empowered tribal communities and rural women with practical skills, entrepreneurship training, and awareness of government support schemes.
The first initiative at Laldhang, Haridwar, was a five-day Skill Development and Entrepreneurship Training Programme on Eco-Friendly Cow Dung-Based Products. The programme trained tribal women and youth in producing value-added products such as diyas, incense sticks, flowerpots, hawan materials, and organic manure from cow dung. Participants also received practical guidance on packaging, branding, quality control, and marketing to help them establish sustainable micro-enterprises.
Continuing its outreach, ACIC Uttaranchal University Foundation, in collaboration with ARPAN, organised a one-week Poultry Farming Training Programme at Lohargaon, Didihat, Pithoragarh, under the theme “Livelihood Enhancement of Women Farmers”. Around 50 women farmers from SC, ST, and OBC communities participated in the programme, which focused on promoting scientific and low-cost poultry farming as a sustainable source of income. The technical session, led by Dr Kamal Pant, covered breed selection, chick management, low-cost housing, balanced nutrition, vaccination, biosecurity, and disease management.
ACIC Uttaranchal University Foundation continues to translate innovation into community impact by equipping rural and tribal communities with market-oriented skills and entrepreneurial knowledge. By fostering collaborations with grassroots organizations and government institutions, the Foundation is creating sustainable livelihood opportunities, promoting self-reliance, and contributing to the vision of innovation-led and inclusive rural development.
The Chief Guest at inaugural session was Dr Rajesh Singh, Director (Research and Innovation), Uttaranchal University. He emphasised on the need for women entrepreneurs for a better society and its impact on the growth of nation. He appreciated the participation of tribal communities.
Also present were Dr Anita Gehlot, CEO ACIC UU Foundation, Subhash Chandra, Director, MSME, Government of India; Dr Ramakrishnan, Director, MSME, and Dr Isha Ahuja Batra who highlighted the importance of innovation, entrepreneurship, and government support in strengthening rural livelihoods.
