Onlykashmir.in News Desk
Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K) today launched a week-long Capacity Building Program on “Rural Entrepreneurship: Capacity, Connectivity, and Commerce” at its Shalimar campus. On the same occasion, SKUAST-K signed an MoU with NABARD to establish a Rural Business Incubation Centre, aiming to foster innovation and entrepreneurship in rural Kashmir.
The program is designed to equip rural youth, farmers, women entrepreneurs, and artisans with essential skills, business insights, and access to market linkages. Themes include value-chain development, branding, digital connectivity, and innovation-driven rural enterprise development.
Vice Chancellor Prof. Nazir Ahmad Ganai emphasized building dynamic rural ecosystems, calling entrepreneurship vital to unlocking Kashmir’s untapped agricultural potential. He praised NABARD’s continued support and called the collaboration a “movement toward community empowerment and self-reliance.”
NABARD Chairman Shaji K.V. highlighted the urgent need for sustainable rural business models and reiterated NABARD’s commitment to supporting rural innovation, inclusion, and grassroots enterprise.
Prof. S.A. Wani, Director Planning, termed the MoU a milestone and envisioned the incubation centre as a hub for rural transformation.
Prof. H.R. Naik, Director Research, noted that the initiative under HADP 04 will connect rural producers with markets through skill building and technology integration.
In his closing remarks, Prof. Farhet A. Shaheen extended appreciation to NABARD and applauded participants for their engagement and enthusiasm.
