Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Jammu (SKUAST-J) Organised Institute Industry Interaction Meet under the World Bank-ICAR funded National Agricultural Higher Education Project (NAHEP) for the institutional development of SKUAST-J. The meet was organized for boosting innovation and entrepreneurship among the agriculture and veterinary students and professionals of the university. SKUAST-J Vice Chancellor, Prof. J. P. Sharma who was the chief guest during the meet talked about the university’s focus towards creating an ecosystem for innovation and startups. Vice Chancellor suggested for subject specific mentorship to Under Graduate students for enhancing their knowledge and innovative ideas. Prof. J.P Sharma outlined the importance of boosting the start-up ecosystem in the agriculture sector. He congratulated young students for presenting their idea nicely and advised them to come up with new innovative ideas for processing and value addition of agri-produce, developing competencies in packaging, branding and marketing of agri-business products. Prominent among the participants from agro-industries and corporate sector were Mr. Annil Suri, Mr. Gagan Jain, Mr. Gaurav Sharma, Mr. Jyotikant Sharma, Mr. Atul Slathia, Mrs. Nish Bura, Mr. Vivek, Mr. Dapinder Singh, Mr. Sukhpreet Singh Tulla and Mr. Sardarchand who were invited as a special guest to speak about their journey of becoming successful entrepreneur and also to share experiences to boost students. They also put their suggestions for attachment of students to industries to gain more practical knowledge. Invited guests in their address shows willingness to support entrepreneurs and startups for their establishment. They also invited students for execution of their idea and setting up of enterprise. Earlier, Prof. Vikas Sharma, Associated Coordinator, NAHEP-IDP welcomed the dignitaries and guests and briefed about NAHEP-IDP.
Prof. R. K. Salgotra briefed about the event. He deliberated on the technologies of university and scenario of agriculture at regional and national level. Students also present their innovative idea in front of all the experts and dignitaries. Dr. B. C. Sharma, Head, Agronomy is the Principal Investigator of the project. All the statutory officers, Head of the Divisions, concerned faculty members and students also attended the programme. Dr. Rakesh Sharma and Dr. Narinder Panotra, Coordinator(s) of the meet were also present. Proceedings of the training program were conducted by Dr. Vivek M Arya and Dr. Anil Bhat, Associated Scientists and Coordinator(s) of the meet. At the end, vote of thanks was extended by Prof. Manish Sharma, Nodal Officer, NAHEP-IDP.
