Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha inaugurated new infrastructure facilities and the Startup Outreach Programme at Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (SKUAST), Jammu, on August 21, 2023. This initiative aims to empower youth in Jammu and Kashmir to pursue entrepreneurship in agriculture.
The Lieutenant Governor underscored the changing employment aspirations among today’s youth, highlighting their shift towards creating jobs instead of waiting for job opportunities. “The true meaning of a Self-Reliant Jammu Kashmir is creating a region where every young citizen becomes an employer,” Sinha stated. He reinforced that women’s participation is vital for any entrepreneurship revolution, insisting on their leadership in enterprises.
During the event, newly inaugurated facilities included the Unnati Girls Hostel, Centre for AI and Machine Learning in Agriculture, and the Advanced Sericulture Laboratory. Asserting that these facilities symbolize a commitment to innovation, Sinha said, “These additions are not just physical infrastructure, but a pledge to our innovators and farming families.”
Referencing global examples of successful agricultural innovations, Sinha mentioned technology-driven initiatives spanning from the Netherlands to New Zealand, showcasing the potential for Jammu Kashmir to shine as a leader in agricultural entrepreneurship. He cautioned the youth against merely replicating foreign models, emphasizing the need to cater to local challenges.
“The biggest message is that agriculture represents a major frontier for innovation worldwide. Tailor solutions to our farmers’ needs, climate, and local challenges,” Sinha urged.
He further explained the importance of diversifying agriculture beyond traditional methods. Encouraging young farmers to consider cold chains and regional branding, he drew a vision for Jammu Kashmir to connect its agricultural products to broader markets.
Highlighting the importance of women’s contribution, Sinha stated, “No economy can grow strong without women as equal partners.” He called for enhanced support for women-led initiatives and self-help groups, ensuring they gain equal access to resources.
The Startup Outreach Programme focuses on reaching farmers and youth in rural areas, who often lack exposure to incubation and venture capital concepts. Sinha noted, “A solution to a farmer’s problem is often birthed from lived experiences.” So far, SKUAST-Jammu has identified over 150 students for idea incubation and has supported 56 startups, signaling a growth trend towards practical solutions in agriculture.
“The success of SKUAST-Jammu will not be defined by the number of graduates, but by the innovative ideas and solutions developed here,” Sinha stated. He encouraged students to ask themselves four critical questions daily: What problem can I solve? What enterprise can I build? What value can I add to agriculture? How can my idea benefit families?
By embracing these questions, he believes students will discover their career paths effortlessly.
The Lieutenant Governor expressed confidence in the region’s future, stating, “Jammu Kashmir will increasingly be recognized for innovation and youth leadership in agriculture.” He emphasized that the youth should not limit their dreams based on current circumstances, encouraging them to draw on their roots and navigate toward their aspirations.
In conclusion, Sinha also recognized eight startups and organizations for their contributions to agriculture, releasing several publications aimed at promoting various sectors within the economy. These initiatives represent a step towards transforming Jammu and Kashmir into a hub of agricultural excellence and innovative entrepreneurship.
