Srinagar, Sept 26 (KNN) Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST) in collaboration with the Union Ministry of MSME on Monday launched 550 skill training programs for entrepreneurship.

The programs were launched under the Entrepreneurship and Skill Development Programs scheme for the year 2023-24 at Shalimar campus. 

The skill trainings are aimed at creating an entrepreneurial ecosystem and a skilled workforce in the UTs of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh for driving Agriculture Revolution 4.0, reported Rising Kashmir.

Commissioner Secretary, Industries and Commerce Department, Vikramjit Singh, who was the chief guest at the launching ceremony, said that today’s event of launching 550 skill training programs is a testimony to the commitment of SKUAST-K for promoting the entrepreneurial ecosystem in the region.

He congratulated the SKUAST-K faculty for their sincerity and dedication. He said that incubating student and faculty ideas and grooming them as potential startups has created a unique and brand image for the University at the national and global level.

Access to finance, capacity building of all sections of the society in value-addition of the agri-produce, connecting farmers to industries are the areas on which SKUAST has to work more.

He added that the Department of Industries and Commerce will be happy to work with SKUAST-K on establishment of Vocational Training & Agri-business Institute for greater good of the people. 

Vice-Chancellor, Prof Nazir Ahmad Ganai welcomed all dignitaries for gracing the occasion. He congratulated Dr Haroon Naik for securing 550 MSME trainings that could help extend institutional outreach to every nook and corner of Kashmir.

He said that the University has made it a mission to change the mindset of students towards agribusiness, and from pure academics to industry- and future-ready curriculum.

He mentioned the remarks made by visiting scientists from the World Bank who rated SKUAST-K as one of the best performing and recommended that the University’s model of education be made as a case study for all other institutions of the country.  (KNN Bureau)