JAMMU, AUGUST 21: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha today inaugurated a series of new infrastructure facilities at the Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (SKUAST), Jammu. The event also marked the launch of the Startup Outreach Programme under the Jammu and Kashmir Cost of Innovation Program (JKCIP). This initiative aims to empower youth and farmers, enhancing entrepreneurship in the region.
During his address, the Lieutenant Governor underscored a pivotal shift in employment aspirations among Jammu Kashmir’s youth. Today’s generation increasingly seeks to create jobs instead of merely waiting for opportunities. He noted, “The truest meaning of a Self-Reliant Jammu Kashmir is a region where every young citizen becomes an employer in some form, according to their ability and talent.”
Highlighting the significance of women’s participation, Sinha asserted that no economic development can occur without equal involvement from women. He stated, “I do not just want to see women present in enterprises; I want to see enterprises led by women.” This insistence on female leadership reveals the administration’s commitment to fostering an inclusivity-driven entrepreneurship ecosystem.
SKUAST-Jammu’s newly inaugurated facilities include the Unnati Girls Hostel, Centre for AI and ML in Agriculture, Centre for Mushroom Research and Innovation, Advanced Sericulture Laboratory, and Centre for Digital Media and Publication. The Lieutenant Governor expressed optimism, stating that these facilities represent more than just physical infrastructure. They symbolize a commitment to the region’s innovators, entrepreneurs, researchers, and farming families.
The Lieutenant Governor drew attention to global advancements where technology drives agricultural growth. He mentioned examples like the dairy innovation hub in the Netherlands, Israel’s smart agricultural practices, New Zealand’s digital strategies in animal husbandry, and a Brazilian irrigation startup that successfully addresses farmers’ everyday challenges. “Agriculture and allied sectors represent the next major frontier for innovation worldwide,” he asserted.
Sinha cautioned the youth against blindly replicating foreign models, urging them instead to focus on local needs. “Understand your own fields, farmers, climate, and local problems. Prepare your next solution and customize those models to suit our region,” he urged, reinforcing the need for localized innovation.
In his speech, Sinha emphasized the importance of diversifying beyond traditional farming practices. He encouraged young farmers to explore cold chains, grading and packaging units, regional branding, and digital marketplaces connecting Jammu Kashmir’s produce with larger markets. Such diversification can enhance the region’s economic strength, he stated.
Addressing the Startup Outreach Programme, the Lieutenant Governor highlighted its role in reaching marginalized farmers and youth unfamiliar with incubation and mentoring concepts. He remarked that the best solutions often arise from those who understand the challenges first-hand. The programme seeks to bridge this gap in knowledge and support.
As part of the initiative, SKUAST-Jammu has already selected over 150 students for idea incubation and supported 56 promising startups, extending its outreach even to remote areas. “This is a commendable beginning,” said Sinha, urging the institution to evolve into a genuine bridge between laboratories and markets.
Moreover, the Lieutenant Governor called for a paradigm shift in how success is measured at SKUAST-Jammu. “Success will not only depend on how many students graduate but also on how many new ideas and enterprises emerge from here that positively change the lives of farming families,” he noted.
Throughout his address, the Lieutenant Governor emphasized the significance of self-reliance, aspiration, and leadership among the youth. He encouraged students to continually ask themselves four pivotal questions regarding the problem-solving potential of their careers and how they can contribute to agriculture.
“Do not let your circumstances become the limits of your future. I am confident that in coming years, Jammu Kashmir will gain recognition for its innovation, agricultural entrepreneurship, science and technology, and youth leadership,” he concluded, instilling hope and ambition among the attendees.
The event also celebrated the achievements of eight startups and cooperatives contributing to agriculture and rural enterprise development. Additionally, four significant publications were launched, promising to enhance the knowledge base in related fields.
This ambitious initiative underlines the administration’s commitment to transforming Jammu Kashmir into a hub of agricultural innovation and entrepreneurship, creating not just jobs but vibrant new pathways for the talented youth of the region.
