Agri-Busines Incubation Centre, SKUAST-J in collaboration with Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Jammu, under the patronage of Prof. B.N. Tripathi, Hon’ble Vice Chancellor, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology-Jammu organized a “Sensitization program on agri-entrepreneurship development through ABI, SKUAST J” at KVK Jammu which was attended by a number of progressive farmers, faculty members of nearby colleges, students and innovative youth. The program was organized as part of ‘Technology Week’ being celebrated at KVK Jammu under the able guidance and support of Director Extension, SKUAST-J, Prof. Amrish Vaid & Head, KVK Jammu, Dr. Puneet Chowdhary. Dr. Sheetal Badyal, Chief Scientist (Home Science), KVK Jammu initiated the program with the warm welcome of the main expert, Prof. Jyoti Kachroo, P.I/CEO, Agri-Business Incubation Centre & Head, Division of AEABM, SKUAST-J along-with all the other participants. She exhorted the audience to divert themselves from their traditional agriculture practices and shift to a more commercial agri-business based approach that would help in enhancing their income and lead to improved financial security and self reliance for them & their families. Prof. Jyoti Kachroo, in her detailed presentation described the scope and opportunities of agri-entrepreneurship in today’s scenario. She informed the gathering about the constructive role being played by ABI, SKUAST-J in the training & development of innovative agri start-ups from J&K UT and its surrounding regions through uniquely designed Agri-entrepreneurship training & funding programmes namely UDGAM (Idea Stage Program), PRAGATI (Seed Stage Program) and Student Financial Assistance Program. She also outlined that 78 potential agri-entrepreneurs in 7 batches have already been incubated at SKUAST-Jammu under these programmes and funding to the tune of Rs. 2.88 crores in total has been sanctioned in favor of 26 start-ups from 6 batches by the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare, GoI. The application process for admission to the 8th batch is also underway currently. Prof. Kachroo encouraged the audience to make full use of these opportunities at ABI, SKUAST-J by applying for these programmes and also narrated the success stories of start-ups of ABI, SKUAST-J who are making waves at national and international level through their innovative products. Some of these start-ups have generated revenue in excess of Rs. 1 crore and have also reached export level status. A couple of ABI start-ups were personally appreciated by the Hon’ble PM of India, Sh. Narendra Modi and he also uploaded a picture of one such interaction on his official twitter handle. One start-up of ABI was successful in getting his agri-innovation featured in popular investment reality show ‘Shark Tank India.’ Many other start-ups were awarded by Dr. Jitendra Singh, Hon’ble Minister of State and Sh. Manoj Sinha, Hon’ble LG of J&K U.T at various platforms for their ingenious agri-innovations and best practices. Some of them have also secured a patent from GoI for their respective innovations. Prof. Kachroo also explained to the students about how becoming a job provider is a much more rewarding and lucrative career path than simply being a job seeker. Dr. Yamini Raut from ABI, SKUAST-J explained about the application and selection procedure of agri-entrepreneurship training programmes and distributed the pamphlets outlining the detailed information to the gathered audience. Dr. Sheetal Badyal presented the formal vote of thanks at the end expressing gratitude towards the main expert and all the present scientists, staff and participants of the programme.
