Institute of Business and Policy Research (IBPR), Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K), kick started a two-day inception workshop on “Federation Ecosystem for Rural Business and Service Hubs (RBSHs)” under the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP-04) from November 3-4, 2025 at the University’s Shalimar Campus.

The workshop was inaugurated by Ghulam Jeelani Zargar, Director, Horticulture Planning and Marketing, Government of Jammu and Kashmir, who graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. Prof Shabir A Wani, former Director, Planning and Monitoring, SKUAST-K, was the Guest of Honour. The event brought together a diverse group of experts, academicians, field officers, and representatives from emerging RBSHs across Kashmir to deliberate on building a robust, federated ecosystem to accelerate rural enterprise development and agri-business transformation.
In his address, Prof Farhat Ahmad Shaheen, Head, IBPR, and Principal Investigator, HADP# 04, emphasized that the Federation of RBSHs will act as a backbone for decentralized rural development, bridging primary producers with markets, services, and value networks. Presenting the Federation Framework Model, Prof. Shaheen outlined a hub-and-spoke approach to connect individual RBSHs with sectoral experts, agri-input manufacturing firms, digital service providers, and academic institutions to enhance efficiency and market outreach. He highlighted the importance of synergizing policy, practice, and grassroots entrepreneurship, stressing that “building dialogue between policymakers, practitioners, and rural entrepreneurs is crucial for transforming agricultural trade and service ecosystems.” He urged all stakeholders to focus on scalable, innovation-driven business models that empower youth, enhance livelihoods, and strengthen local economies through collaboration and enterprise.
Prof. Shabir A. Wani, in his remarks, lauded IBPR’s vision and leadership in conceptualizing the Federation Model as a scalable and replicable pathway for sustainable rural growth. He emphasized the need for evidence-based planning, integrated development strategies, and long-term sustainability models to empower RBSHs as self-sustaining, dynamic rural enterprises.
Addressing the participants, Shri Ghulam Jeelani Zargar underscored the transformative potential of RBSHs in reshaping the rural economy by enabling last-mile delivery of agricultural services, technology, and business solutions. He reaffirmed the Government’s commitment under HADP to foster entrepreneurial networks and promote institutional convergence among public agencies, private stakeholders, and rural communities.
Dr. Abid Sultan, Scientist, IBPR, and Workshop Coordinator, presented the detailed structure of the workshop, highlighting the thematic sessions on Federation Governance, Business Mapping, Knowledge Integration, and Capacity Building Strategies, and delivered the formal vote of thanks. Ms. Aiman Fayaz, Young Professional, HADP-04, coordinated the workshop proceedings.
The workshop reflected IBPR SKUAST-K’s strong commitment to transforming the agricultural marketing ecosystem by fostering innovation, integration, and rural enterprise development. It reaffirmed the institute’s vision of building a federated, market-led, and technology-driven rural economy under the HADP framework.