The Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (SKUAST-Kashmir) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Vivek PARC Foundation (VPF), Mumbai, marking a significant step towards advancing research, education, skill development, and market integration for niche agricultural products.
The agreement was formalised by Prof. Haroon R. Naik, Director of Research, SKUAST-Kashmir, and Ruchita Rane, Executive Director of PARC & VPF, in the presence of Prof. Nazir Ahmad Ganai, Vice-Chancellor of SKUAST-Kashmir.
This partnership aims to foster collaborative research, enhance extension services, and support the growth of agri-based startups and potential unicorns emerging from SKUAST-Kashmir. Entrepreneurs will benefit from skill enhancement programmes, specialised training, and expert guidance in grading, branding, and packaging—crucial elements for competitive market positioning.
The signing ceremony was attended by distinguished faculty members, including Prof. Shabir Ahmad Wani, Dean of the Faculty of Horticulture, Prof. Raihana Habib Kanth, Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture, Prof. Azmat Alam Khan, OSD to the Vice-Chancellor, and Prof. A.H. Mughal, Associate Director of Research. Their presence underscored the institution’s commitment to strengthening the agricultural and entrepreneurial ecosystem in the region. This collaboration is expected to open new avenues for innovation and economic growth in Kashmir’s agricultural sector.
