Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir launched 550 skill training programs for entrepreneurship in collaboration with the Union Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises under the Entrepreneurship and Skill Development Programs scheme for the year 2023-24 at Shalimar campus.
The skill trainings are aimed at creating an entrepreneurial ecosystem and a skilled workforce in the UTs of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh for driving Agriculture Revolution 4.0.
Commissioner Secretary, Industries and Commerce Department, Vikramjit Singh, who was the chief guest at the launching ceremony, said that today’s event of launching 550 skill training programs is a testimony to the commitment of SKUAST-K for promoting the entrepreneurial ecosystem in the region.
He congratulated the SKUAST-K faculty for their sincerity and dedication. He said that incubating student and faculty ideas and grooming them as potential startups has created a unique and brand image for the University at the national and global level. Access to finance, capacity building of all sections of the society in value-addition of the agri-produce, connecting farmers to industries are the areas on which SKUAST has to work more. He added that the Department of Industries and Commerce will be happy to work with SKUAST-K on establishment of Vocational Training & Agri-business Institute for greater good of the people.
Vice-Chancellor, Prof Nazir Ahmad Ganai welcomed all dignitaries for gracing the occasion. He congratulated Dr Haroon Naik for securing 550 MSME trainings that could help extend institutional outreach to every nook and corner of Kashmir. He also said that the University has made it a mission to change the mindset of students towards agribusiness, and from pure academics to industry- and future-ready curriculum.
He mentioned the remarks made by visiting scientists from the World Bank who rated SKUAST-K as one of the best performing and recommended that the University’s model of education be made as a case study for all other institutions of the country. Prof Ganai said that the varsity’s vision and mission promote diversity, equity and inclusiveness, the traits Kashmir as a society distinct in traditions, culture, love and passion is known for. He added that J&K has the potential to be the model bio-economy for other states of the country. He congratulated Dr Saima Paul, Scientist of Krishi Vigyan Kendra Srinagar for the launch of ‘Noonley Startup’ – a ready-to-use dip for making salt tea that has lot of potential to save energy, time and resources of the people.
Dr Haroon Naik, Nodal Officer MSME SKUAST-K presented the summary of MSME trainings completed in 2022-23 and the sanctioned skill programs for the year 2023-24.
Mr Shafat Yahya, Deputy Director (Budget), Govt. of J&K, assured full support to SKUAST-K in every possible manner.
Dr MAA Siddiqui, Director Education SKUAST-K, Saheel Alaqband, Assistant Director MSME, J&K Govt. of India, Abdul Hameed, Secretary J&K Kisan Board, Dr Azmat Alam, OSD to Vice-Chancellor and Dr Shakeel A Mir also spoke on the occasion.
During the event, a book on 550 MSME supported trainings was also released. Various SKUAST-K groomed entrepreneurs in agriculture and allied sectors also shared their experience and highlighted the role of SKUAST-K in success of their ventures.
SKUAST-K is the only agriculture university which has been sanctioned the highest number of capacity-building programs, 550, by the Ministry of MSME for the year 2023-24. The objective is to motivate youth representing different sections of society, including SC, ST, Women and persons with disabilities, ex-servicemen and BPL persons, to consider entrepreneurship or self-employment as their career and also to motivate traditional /non-traditional entrepreneurs having the potential for setting-up MSMEs in UT of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh.
