An Awareness-cum-Sensitization Programme entitled “AgriNovate 1.0: Redefining Organic Agriculture through Innovations & Start-ups” was successfully organized in collaboration with Government Degree Collage Pulwama today under the Alternate system of Agriculture for sustainability (HADP-16) by the Sher-e-Kashmir Innovation, Incubation and Entrepreneurship Centre (SKIIEC), SKUAST-Kashmir.

The event aimed to promote organic agriculture and inspire youth to explore innovation-driven and entrepreneurial ventures in the agri-sector.
During the programme Chief Executive Officer/Head, SKIIE Centre, SKUAST-K, Naveed Hamid, emphasized the importance of innovation-led approaches in transforming traditional farming systems toward commercially viable approaches through scientific innovative intervention. He gave stress on changing the mindset and mapping the same with new trends in agriculture and agribusiness system for ideation generation.
He elaborated on the objectives of HADP-16 and the crucial role of SKIIE Centre under the dynamic leadership of Vice Chancellor, Prof. Nazir A Ganai and Director Research SKUAST K, Prof. Haroon R Naik in promoting innovation, incubation, and start-up culture within the agricultural ecosystem of Jammu & Kashmir.
Professor, Government Degree College, Pulwama, Dr. Naveed Ahmad, highlighted the importance of integrating organic farming practices with scientific interventions to enhance productivity, profitability, and environmental health.
The Technical Session was presented by Director Happico Industries, Dr. Rouf Ahmad and Director Glowtips, Dr. Muneer Ahmad who deliberated on the importance of organic farming technologies, start-up opportunities, value addition, and policy support for agri-entrepreneurship.
They emphasized the role of SKUAST-Kashmir in providing incubation and handholding support and skill-based training to aspiring agri-preneurs.
HADP-16 Staff member, Dr. Shayista Fayaz, briefly threw light on startup opportunities in the organic sector and support under HADP to kickstart their enterprise followed by a briefing on registration process for Agri-Innovate Hackathon/ Grand Challenge.
The programme witnessed enthusiastic participation from students, start-up aspirants, and faculty members of Govt.Degree college Pulwama who engaged in interactive discussions on the potential of organic agriculture as a sustainable and profitable enterprise and shared out of the box ideas with the technical team.
Later an hour deliberation with Principal GDC Pulwama Prof. Haris took place on remodifying the traditional educational and Agricultural system and mapping the mindset of these young minds towards Agri-Startups culture.