SRINAGAR: Initiatives undertaken by Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K) under the Jammu and Kashmir Competitiveness Improvement of Agriculture and Allied Sectors Programme (JKCIP) received appreciation from senior government officials and international delegates at the IFAD Project Partners Learning Forum and Project Directors’ Meet held at SKICC here on August 6.
The University’s work under the Incubation and Start-up Component and the Upscaling Collectivisation Component emerged as key highlights of the forum, with delegates appreciating its efforts to promote agricultural innovation, entrepreneurship, farmer collectivisation and women-led agribusiness across Jammu and Kashmir.
The event was presided over by J&K Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo and attended by IFAD Country Coordinator Marc D’Souza Shields, IFAD Country Director, India, Meera Mishra, SKUAST-K Vice-Chancellor Prof Nazir Ahmad Ganai and Mission Director, HADP/JKCIP, Dr Sagar D. Dattatray, besides other delegates from the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD).
The IFAD Country Director particularly congratulated SKUAST-K for identifying and nurturing promising start-ups under the JKCIP Incubation and Start-up Component, with special recognition for the achievements of women-led start-ups.
The University’s efforts to build an enabling ecosystem through innovation, mentorship, capacity building and market linkages were also appreciated for empowering women entrepreneurs and supporting sustainable growth in the agricultural sector.
The forum also highlighted SKUAST-K’s initiatives to strengthen farmer collectivisation under JKCIP, along with its efforts to promote entrepreneurship and create opportunities for rural youth and women.
The dignitaries appreciated the leadership and sustained commitment of SKUAST-K Vice-Chancellor Prof Nazir Ahmad Ganai. According to the statement, his strategic guidance and institutional support have strengthened the University’s work in innovation, entrepreneurship, start-up development and farmer collectivisation.
His focus on developing a vibrant agribusiness ecosystem and creating opportunities for rural youth and women was also credited with advancing SKUAST-K’s initiatives under JKCIP.
The recognition at the forum placed SKUAST-K’s interventions under JKCIP among the initiatives being showcased for their potential to promote innovation, entrepreneurship and inclusive agricultural development in Jammu and Kashmir.
