Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on August 21 inaugurated new infrastructure and a Startup Outreach Programme at the Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (SKUAST) in Jammu, aiming to inspire young entrepreneurship in agriculture.
LG Sinha stressed the importance of transforming Jammu Kashmir into a region where youth aspire to create jobs rather than merely seek them. He defined a Self-Reliant Jammu Kashmir as a place where every young citizen harnesses their talents to become an employer.
At the event, he welcomed a diverse gathering, including researchers, innovators, farmers, and young entrepreneurs from across Jammu. The inaugurated facilities include a Unnati Girls Hostel, a Centre for AI and ML in Agriculture, a Centre for Mushroom Research and Innovation, an Advanced Sericulture Laboratory, and a Centre for Digital Media and Publication.
Sinha described these new additions as commitments towards regional innovators and agricultural families. He noted that these facilities reflect a robust future for innovation in agriculture in Jammu Kashmir.
The Lieutenant Governor cited global success stories in technology-driven agriculture as crucial models for local youth. For instance, he mentioned a dairy innovation hub in the Netherlands and data integration strategies in Israel’s agriculture sector. Such international examples set a clear direction for Jammu Kashmir’s vision in agricultural entrepreneurship.
“The agricultural landscape offers vast potential for youth driven by innovation,” he said, encouraging students to create solutions tailored to local needs rather than merely copying foreign models.
Sinha’s message resonated deeply, highlighting the need for youth to leverage their unique circumstances and experiences. “You must understand your fields, climate, and local challenges. Prepare innovative solutions that cater specifically to our conditions,” he advised.
He underscored that the aspirations of today’s youth reflect a paradigm shift towards job creation, which aligns with the broader goals of a Self-Reliant Jammu Kashmir. He delivered a powerful message to students emphasizing that their education serves as a launchpad rather than a final destination:
“Your degree is not your destination; it is like a runway for your flight of success.”
Sinha encouraged young farmers to explore avenues beyond traditional farming practices, advocating for cold chains, grading and packaging units, as well as digital marketplaces to connect local produce with global markets.
A key focus of his address was the vital role of women in the entrepreneurial landscape. He insisted, “No entrepreneurship revolution can be complete without the equal participation of women.” He called for initiatives that empower women, particularly through Self-Help Groups and Farmer Producer Organizations, to ensure their active involvement in the economic sphere.
Discussing the Startup Outreach Programme, Sinha stated that it aims to reach out to farmers and youth who have had little exposure to concepts like mentoring and venture capital. He articulated that the best solutions for agricultural challenges often emerge from those who directly experience these issues.
SKUAST-Jammu’s initiatives have already resulted in over 150 students selected for idea incubation and support for 56 budding startups. Sinha praised these efforts as foundational, urging the institution to evolve as a bridge uniting research and farming communities.
“Real success will not only be measured by the number of graduates but by how many new ideas and enterprises are born here and how they positively impact farming families,” he emphasized.
To motivate students further, he urged them to constantly ponder four critical questions during their educational journey:
- What problem can I solve?
- What enterprise can I build?
- What value can I add to agriculture?
- How many families can benefit from my idea?
Sinha’s aspiration is for Jammu Kashmir to become synonymous with innovation, agricultural entrepreneurship, and youth leadership in the coming years. He encouraged students to pursue their dreams and leverage their cultural roots while adapting to modern technologies.
Furthermore, he recognized eight startups and organizations for their contributions to agriculture and rural enterprise development. The event also featured the release of four publications aimed at bolstering agricultural practices and entrepreneurial endeavors in the region.
With participation from various dignitaries, including Additional Chief Secretary Shri Shailendra Kumar and SKUAST Vice Chancellor Prof. B.N. Tripathi, the inauguration marked a significant step towards fostering a vibrant agricultural and entrepreneurial ecosystem in Jammu Kashmir.
