SKUAST-K launches capacity building workshop for rural business under HADP

Srinagar, Sept 04: A three-day workshop titled "Rural Business and Service Hubs: Strategies for Successful Startups" was launched as part of the Holistic Agriculture Development Program (HADP) Project on “Strengthening Agricultural Marketing in UT of J&K.”

The event, organised by the Institute of Business and Policy Research (IBPR) at SKUAST-K, was held in collaboration with the Directorate of Horticulture, Planning, and Marketing, Agriculture Production Department, Government of Jammu and Kashmir.

The workshop began with an interaction between the Hon’ble Vice Chancellor of SKUAST-K and the Rural Business and Service Hub (RBSH) beneficiaries. Prof. F. A. Shaheen, Course Director and Principal Investigator of the HADP project on Agricultural Marketing, emphasized the importance of enhancing the input and service delivery sector.

He underscored the vital role of each business and service hub start-up in promoting the growth and sustainability of the farming sector while also generating employment opportunities. He also announced plans for regular follow-ups with the beneficiaries and the inclusion of additional participants as the project progresses.

Prof SH Baba, Head of IBPR, expressed gratitude to the Vice Chancellor for his efforts in positioning SKUAST-K as a leader in the development of agriculture and allied sectors. Prof S. A. Wani, Dean of the Faculty of Horticulture at SKUAST-K, shared insights into the inception of the RBSH scheme and presented case studies on its successful implementation in other states of India, encouraging participants to work diligently toward establishing these hubs.

The Chief Guest, Prof Nazir Ahmad Ganie, in his keynote address, highlighted the strategic role of SKUAST-K in advancing the agricultural sector in Jammu and Kashmir. He outlined the roadmap followed by SKUAST-K in the formation of the HADP and discussed its impact on empowering farmers, particularly in remote areas.

He emphasised the significance of RBSHs in providing essential services to farmers and the role of Knowledge and Kisan Khidmat Ghar (KKGs) in creating employment opportunities. He also stressed the need to cultivate an entrepreneurial mindset among the youth of J&K.

The programme was co-organized by Dr. Abid Sultan, Assistant Professor at IBPR and Co-PI of the project. Dr. Farheen Naqash, Assistant Professor at IBPR, moderated the sessions, with coordination support from Dr. M. M. Kachroo, Dr. Mudasir Rashid, and Ms. Fayiza Fardous. Mr. Azhar Vakil, Coordinator from the Directorate of Horticulture, Planning & Marketing, also attended the workshop. The event concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Dr. Omar Fayaz Khan, Assistant Professor at IBPR.