Javid Dar chairs Agriculture Innovation Summit at SKUAST-K

• Says ‘HADP proves boon for farmers, revolutionises agriculture sector in J&K’

SRINAGAR: Minister for Agriculture Production, Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, Javid Ahmad Dar today said that the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP) is incredibly revolutionising Agriculture sector in Jammu and Kashmir. The Minister stated this while addressing, as a chief guest, at an Agriculture Innovation Summit held at Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K). He described the initiative as boon for the farmers fraternity of the UT.

The event brought together leading minds from academia, industry and governance to explore innovative solutions for advancing agriculture startups and businesses in Jammu and Kashmir. The summit, organised by SKUAST-K and Mission Directorate HADP under Project 20 ‘Innovative Extension Approaches for Promoting Agriculture in J&K’, featured a number of activities, including startup pitching events, panel discussions, flagging off of the Student Rural Internship-Mobile Agri-clinics by the Minister and visit of SKUAST-K and line department startup stalls.

The opening ceremony held at the Nund Rashi Hall was marked by the premiere of HADP Impact documentary. Javid Ahmad Dar, in his keynote address, lauded SKUAST-K’s leadership in driving agricultural innovation and emphasised the government’s commitment towards supporting youth-led agripreneurship. He praised the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme formulators for conceptualising such a “wonderful program that will revolutionise agriculture in Jammu and Kashmir”.

While stressing the enhanced collaboration between SKUAST-K and the line departments, the Minister said there is a need for more grassroots connect, translating research into practice and scaling innovative solutions across the J&K. He said it is the responsibility of this university to give new ideas to the people, farming community and students so that agriculture becomes lucrative for all.

Vice Chancellor SKUAST-K, Prof Nazir Ahmad Gani, gave an overview of the university and apprised him of various programs being offered there. Mission Director HADP, Rahul Yadav, briefed about the functioning of HADP and JKCIP. CGM NABARD, Partho Saha, stressed on making innovation relevant for the farming community.

Director Research SKUAST-K, Prof Haroon R Naik, presented vote of thanks. Directors from the line departments, SKUAST-K faculty members, students, innovators, startup founders and farmers were also present at the occasion. The Minister also felicitated the innovators who pitched their ideas at the occasion.