Onlykashmir.in News Desk
KULGAM, July 31: In a significant stride towards fostering innovation and entrepreneurship in the agriculture sector, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K) inaugurated a two-day Bootcamp and Ideation event at KVK Kulgam under the Jammu and Kashmir Critical Innovation Programme (JKCIP).
The initiative, jointly organized by the JKCIP Incubation and Startup Cell and the SKUAST-K Innovation, Incubation & Entrepreneurship Centre (SKIIE), Shalimar, aims to identify, mentor, and support aspiring and early-stage Agri-entrepreneurs from rural areas. The programme focuses on empowering youth and innovators to design sustainable, technology-enabled, and scalable solutions for challenges in agriculture and allied sectors.
The event witnessed enthusiastic participation from a diverse group of stakeholders, including young entrepreneurs, innovators, members of Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), Self Help Groups (SHGs), NGOs, and Agri-tech enthusiasts.
The inaugural session was graced by Prof. Manzoor Ahmad Ganai, Head of KVK Kulgam; Dr. Naveed Hamid, CEO and Head of SKIIE Centre; and Dr. Mohammad Mubashir, Manager Incubation, JKCIP SKUAST-K. Also in attendance were scientists from the Kendra and representatives from local entrepreneurial and rural development bodies.
Delivering the keynote address, Prof. Manzoor Ahmad Ganai emphasized the urgent need to integrate innovation and entrepreneurship into agricultural practices to meet emerging challenges and improve farmers’ livelihoods. He underlined SKUAST-K’s role in bridging the gap between traditional methods and modern Agri-technologies through community-driven entrepreneurial models.
Dr. Mohammad Mubashir, in his welcome remarks, shed light on SKUAST-K’s startup and innovation ecosystem, developed under the leadership of the Hon’ble Vice-Chancellor. He introduced the JKCIP policy framework, which is designed to nurture young innovators and support them on the path to self-sustainability, encouraging participants to think beyond conventional models.
Dr. Naveed Hamid, CEO of SKIIE Centre, urged the attendees to embrace creativity, take risks, and actively engage with the evolving startup landscape. He emphasized that SKUAST-K’s incubation initiatives are part of a larger mission to build a resilient, self-reliant Jammu and Kashmir in line with the broader vision of Viksit Jammu and Kashmir.
The sessions were skillfully moderated by Dr. Shahid Ahmed, Scientist (Animal Sciences), KVK Kulgam, who extended gratitude to Prof. Haroon R. Naik, Director Research, and Prof. Ashaq H. Pandit, Nodal Officer, JKCIP, for their continued mentorship and support in connecting with grassroots innovators.
The Bootcamp comprises intensive mentoring sessions, ideation exercises, expert-led panel discussions, and business pitch presentations. Participants are being equipped with insights into business model development, value chain integration, marketing strategies, investment avenues, and government support schemes for Agri-entrepreneurs.
The opening day concluded with the pitching of innovative ideas by participating youth. Thirteen novel startup concepts were shortlisted by the JKCIP Incubation and Startup Cell for further handholding and development under the JKCIP Startup Scheme.
