Transformation Of Agri-markets: SKUAST-K engages with stakeholders to co-develop electronic, smart provisions
Srinagar, Nov 12: Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir’s Institute of Business, Policy and Research (IBPR) in collaboration with Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Budgam, organised series of Stakeholder Interaction-cum-Focus Group Discussion (FGD) at Budgam under the MEITY, GoI sponsored project on “e-Marketing Eco-System in J&K” on Wednesday.
Head KVK Budgam, Principal Investigators of MEITY sponsored project, Experts of KVKs, key farmers and other stakeholders participated in the interaction, said an official press release.
Prof Bilal Ahmad Lone, Head KVK, Budgam in his opening remarks brought out various challenges in agricultural sector of the territory, and fruit sector of the district in particular, is facing.
Prof SH Baba, IBPR, gave a comprehensive presentation on the missing links in the existing marketing routes and emphasized upon the need for the integration of value chain of horticultural produce. During his delibration, Prof. Baba revealed how the planned roadmap for the deployment of AI-marketing Gadgets will be executed at the ground level and how the active role of farmers, traders, FPOs and other key stakeholders is important. The key stakeholders underscored the significance of the MEITY sponsored e-Marketing project in establishing a robust digital marketing ecosystem in Jammu & Kashmir, aimed at empowering farmers and modernizing the agricultural economy. They noted that such initiatives can accelerate the shift toward a transparent, market-driven, and technology-led agri-market framework. Participants actively discussed critical issues encourtered by them in various post-harvest management practices and the sale of their produce and shared their mixed experiences with respect to existing digital plateforms including eNAM, etc. Experts and officials interacted with stakeholders for discussing the development of strong linkages between farmers and online market systems. Participant gave their valuable inputs for the field trials and deployment of Digital Marketing Provisions being developed by SKUAST-K & CDAC-Kolkatta for the major agricultural commodities.
Jasir Arafat and Dr Ishrat Farooq Bhat, Research Fellows of the project made participants aware about the information needs and filing-up in links for becoming the part of Electronic Market Ecosystem. They obtained the crucial information from the participants regards farming practices, marketing issues and their perceptions on utility & barriers in the adoption of Digital Provisions in marketing.Dr. Khursheed, KVK Budgam moderated the interative session.
