Jammu, August 21: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha inaugurated new infrastructure and a Startup Outreach Programme at Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (SKUAST) in Jammu, aiming to foster agricultural entrepreneurship among the youth. The event brought together students, innovators, and farmers for an engaging dialogue on job creation through innovation.
The Lieutenant Governor described the newly inaugurated facilities, including the Unnati Girls Hostel and the Centre for AI and ML in Agriculture, as more than just bricks and mortar. He emphasized that these additions represent a commitment to support the region’s innovators, entrepreneurs, and farming families.
“Jammu Kashmir is on the cusp of becoming a hub for agricultural innovation and entrepreneurship,” said Sinha. His remarks aim to inspire youth to explore opportunities in agriculture and allied sectors, which he believes are the next major frontier for innovation and job creation.
The Lieutenant Governor highlighted the changing employment landscape in India, noting that today’s youth increasingly aim to create jobs rather than simply seek them. He stressed that true self-reliance in Jammu Kashmir occurs when young citizens become employers based on their talents and abilities.
“Your degree is not your destination; it is a runway for your flight of success,” Sinha advised the students, encouraging them to leverage their education, curiosity, and courage to turn innovative ideas into startups.
Citing examples from across the globe, the Lieutenant Governor pointed to successful technology initiatives in agriculture, such as a dairy innovation hub in the Netherlands. He urged local youth not to merely replicate international models, but to study their unique local problems and craft tailored solutions that resonate with the specific challenges faced by Jammu Kashmir.
“The most useful solutions are often conceived by those who have lived the problems firsthand,” he remarked, reaffirming that agriculture should focus on local needs while exploring modern techniques and strategies.
Recognizing the pivotal role women play in this entrepreneurial journey, Sinha stated, “No entrepreneurship revolution can be complete without equal and active participation of women.” He called for the establishment of women-led enterprises and greater support for women in the agricultural sector.
The Lieutenant Governor expressed his vision for SKUAST-Jammu to evolve into a bridge connecting laboratories with markets, scientists with farmers, and technology with real-world needs. He shared that SKUAST-Jammu had identified over 150 students for idea incubation and supported 56 startups, a commendable achievement poised to grow further.
“Real success will not be measured by how many students graduate but by how many ideas and solutions are developed here, creating a positive impact on farming families,” Sinha added.
During the ceremony, the Lieutenant Governor called upon students to ask themselves four critical questions daily: 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?
“If these questions stay with you, you will discover the purpose of your career,” he asserted, reinforcing the importance of a proactive mindset for aspiring entrepreneurs.
In his closing remarks, the Lieutenant Governor urged the youth to dream big, leveraging their roots, knowledge, and technology to carve out new paths. He expressed confidence that Jammu Kashmir would gain recognition for its agricultural innovation and youth leadership in the years to come.
As part of the event, eight startups and rural enterprises were honoured for their contributions to agriculture and value addition. Additionally, four significant publications pertaining to agricultural practices and economic dynamics in Jammu and Kashmir were launched.
Other notable attendees included Shri Shailendra Kumar, Additional Chief Secretary; Prof. B.N. Tripathi, Vice Chancellor of SKUAST-Jammu; and a host of students, scientists, and entrepreneurs who form the backbone of the region’s agricultural ecosystem.
