Share your story and shine at JK Monitor!š Welcome to JK Monitor, where every story matters and every achievement is celebrated! We invite you to share the remarkable journey of your life and showcase your accomplishments to the world. Join our exclusive interviews that honor exceptional individuals just like you. KATRA: A group of B.Sc.,B.Tech, and Ph.D. students with faculty members from the School of Biotechnology(SoBT), Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University (SMVDU), recently embarked on an educational visit to Bhaderwah. The tour was aimed at providing students with practical exposure to small-scale industrialsetups involved in essential oil production and cleaning product manufacturing.During their visit, the students and faculty had the opportunity to explore the Himalayan Essential Oils Producer Company Ltd., a renowned enterprise in the region known for its high-quality essentialoils, particularly lavender oil.
The visit was facilitated by Mr. Bharat Bhushan, the owner of theHimalayan Essential Oils Producer Company Ltd., who briefed the students about the extractionprocess, quality control measures, and the growing importance of the essential oil industry inBhaderwah. Mr. Bhushan has been instrumental in promoting aromatic plant cultivation and essentialoil production, significantly contributing to the economic development of the region.
In addition, thestudents also visited Centwin, a unit of JKRLM Umeed Bhaderwah, which specializes in themanufacturing of various cleaning products, including laundry soap and handmade soap. They weregiven insights into the production process and the entrepreneurial initiatives supported under theJammu and Kashmir Rural Livelihoods Mission (JKRLM) scheme. The visit was coordinated by Mr.Pancham Singh and Mr. Praveen, both serving as Cluster Coordinators under JKRLM UmeedBhaderwah. A highlight of the visit was the exploration of the expansive lavender fields, wherestudents learned about the cultivation, harvesting, and processing of lavender, a key component inessential oil production.
The faculty members provided valuable academic perspectives on thebiotechnological aspects of essential oil extraction and its applications in various industries. Thiseducational tour provided an enriching experience, bridging the gap between theoretical learning andpractical industry exposure. The students expressed their gratitude for the opportunity to witness real-world applications of biotechnology, and the faculty members acknowledged the support extended bythe industrial partners in making the visit successful.
The trip was a well-coordinated effort,showcasing the synergy between academia and industry, and paving the way for future collaborationsin research and development.The visit was organized under the guidance of the Head and faculty of the School of Biotechnology,Dr. Ratna Chandra, Dr. Indu Bhushan, and Dr. Vinod Singh..The trip was sponsored by the funds received under the PM USHA grant.The Honāble ViceChancellor, Prof. Pragati Kumar applauded the efforts of the School of Biotechnology in providingstudents with firsthand experience of the operations, challenges, and opportunities within small-scaleindustries.
He encouraged more such field visits to expose students to the workings of small-scaleindustries, to organize guest lectures from industry experts, and incorporate case studies and projectsthat simulate real-world scenarios, fostering practical learning and understanding.
