Onlykashmir.in News Desk
New Delhi: Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K) has added another feather to its cap as Naveed Hamid, Chief Executive Officer of SKUAST-K Innovation, Incubation & Entrepreneurship Centre (SKIIE), was conferred with the prestigious “Excellence in Agri-Incubation Leadership Award” at the 2nd Sustainable Agriculture Summit 2025, held at the India Habitat Centre, New Delhi.
The award was presented by Ramnath Thakur, Minister of State, Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, and Ramdas Athawale, Minister, Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India. The event was graced by several eminent dignitaries, including Ms. Suman Chandra (IAS), Director MNRE, Dr. Jayadev Sarangi (Retd. IAS), Shri Rajavelu (CEO, Crop Protection Business, Godrej Agrovet), Dr. K.C. Ravi (Chief Sustainability Officer, Syngenta India), Dr. Rajendra Prasad (GM, SIDBI), Dr. Vimala Prakash (Head TIC, IPL Biologicals Ltd.), and Shri Manoj Kumar Dubey (IRAS), CMD, IRFC.
This prestigious recognition celebrates Mr. Hamid’s outstanding leadership in agricultural incubation and innovation, specifically his efforts in nurturing agri-tech entrepreneurship and promoting sustainable agricultural solutions through the SKIIE Centre.
The summit drew participation from top policymakers, administrative leaders, and corporate executives including the MD of Hindustan Urvarak & Rasayan Ltd., Director of Oil Seeds (MoA&FW), District Collectors of Hyderabad and Ferozpur, ED of the Federation of Seed Industry of India (FSII), senior officials from Syngenta Foundation, BIPP-ISB, FMC India, and others committed to advancing India’s agricultural future.
Under Naveed Hamid’s dynamic leadership, the SKIIE Centre has emerged as a national hub for agri-innovation. With 300+ incubatees, 88 agri-startups, and 91 patents granted, the centre supports early-stage entrepreneurs through a comprehensive ecosystem of mentorship, funding access, and IP facilitation. It addresses challenges such as food security, waste-to-wealth solutions, climate-resilient practices, and technology-driven agri-solutions.
The SKIIE Centre, under Mr. Hamid’s stewardship, has been the recipient of several accolades including:
• Star Startup Ecosystem Award (Paris) by ICCW & Microsoft
• Best Agri-Incubation Centre by BCC&I, ITC & AIC of India
Moreover, the centre has successfully secured funding for high-impact projects like:
• TBI (DST, GoI)
• E-YUVA (BIRAC)
• SAMARTH (CSB)
• RBIC, JKCIP, MEITY Startup Promotion Projects, among others
“I am deeply honoured to receive this recognition,” said Naveed Hamid, dedicating the award to the leadership of Hon’ble Vice Chancellor Prof. Nazir A. Gania, the committed officers of SKUAST-K, and the young innovators who have shaped the innovation ecosystem.
“This award reaffirms our belief in innovation-led agri-entrepreneurship and our mission to build a resilient agricultural future for India.”
Hon’ble Vice Chancellor Prof. Nazir A. Gania extended heartfelt congratulations to Mr. Hamid and the Director Planning & Monitoring, terming the achievement as a “moment of pride” for the university. “This milestone reflects the unwavering commitment of our team to excellence in agricultural education, innovation, and entrepreneurship,” he said.
As SKUAST-K’s SKIIE Centre continues to forge strategic collaborations with government agencies, academia, and industry partners, it remains steadfast in its mission to empower agri-startups and transform India’s agricultural landscape through innovation, sustainability, and inclusive growth.
