Focus on Industry-Academia collaboration for achieving objectives of Viksit Bharat: Shailendra Kumar

Jammu, July 10: Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Jammu (SKUAST-J) on Wednesday organised Industry-Academia Meet here under the World Bank-ICAR funded National Agricultural Higher Education Project -Institute Development Project (NAHEP-IDP).

The main objective of the meet was to explore, identify and integrate industrial training with academic learning. Besides, it will also help to promote technological advancement and innovation in the field of agriculture and such type of interface are essential for developing research and qualified workforce.

Principal Secretary, Agriculture Production Department (APD), Shailendra Kumar was the chief guest on the occasion.

In his address, Principal Secretary urged the participants to focus on Industry-Academia collaboration, establishing Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs), entrepreneurship development and collaboration under Corporate Social Responsibility to achieve the objectives of Viksit Bharat. He urged the industry for hand holding of Start-Ups. He appreciated agri-varsity for playing significant role in education and research and building favourable eco-system for young ignited minds who can contribute towards innovation, creativity and nation building.

He further emphasised that industry should come forward and contribute towards research and boost Start-Up culture in the Universities.

Vice Chancellor, SKUAST-Jammu, Prof. B.N. Tripathi, who was chairman during the meet, in his address said that Industry-Academia collaboration is the need of hour to prepare students for meeting futuristic challenges of  competitive world. He expressed gratitude to United Phosphorus Limited and Fill Industry Limited for entering Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with the agri-varsity.

He urged industry to come forward for more collaborations with the University for  development of agriculture in general and farmers in particular. He reiterated that expertise of industry and agri-varsity can lead to innovation in agriculture.

He further said that such innovations can help in fulfilling the needs, interests and priorities of the farmers in farming.

The VC added  that industry-academia has an advantage of feedback mechanism where the problems of the farmers can be addressed. He stressed upon need-based and problem-oriented research that contributes towards the progress and prosperity of  farmers.

Prof Tripathi suggested that an industry professional may mentor students on areas of personal and professional development like, knowledge related to an industry, functional expertise, a habit, behavioural change and skills.

During the meet, panel discussions were held on “Strengthening Education-Infrastructural facilities and Research in partnership with Industry.”

Dr. Rajinder Peshin, Director Education delivered a presentation on “SKUAST-Jammu: Achievements, Initiatives and Opportunities for Transforming Education and Research.”

Besides, Dr. Ram Kumar delivered a lead lecture. Invited company guests, in their address, expressed willingness to support entrepreneurs and Start-ups. During the meet, Start-Ups, companies and university displayed their exhibits and technologies.

All the statutory officers, Head of the divisions, concerned faculty members and students also attended the programme.