Ganderbal, June 18: Minister for Science & Technology, Information Technology and Youth Affairs, Government of Jammu & Kashmir, . Satish Sharma inaugurated the state-of-the-art Food Processing Laboratory at the Design Innovation Centre (DIC), Central University of Kashmir (CUKashmir) at Green Campus here Thursday.

Vice-Chancellor Prof. A. Ravinder Nath, Dean Academic Affairs and Director, DIC, Prof. Shahid Rasool, Dean International Affairs, Prof. Sandhya Tiwari, I/c Registrar, Prof. D. K. Madaan, Finance Officer, Mr. Abdul Hamid Kumar, Controller of Examinations, Prof. Kaisar Javeed, Librarian, Dr. Nazir Ahmad Bhat, Joint Director, DIC, and Deputy Registrar, Dr. Javid Ahmad Wani, heads and coordinators of departments, faculty members, key officials of the University were present.
Speaking on the occasion, Satish Sharma lauded the efforts of the Design Innovation Centre in promoting innovation, self-reliance and entrepreneurship among the youth. He appreciated the Centre's initiatives aimed at preserving and enhancing local craftsmanship and lauded the innovative handicraft designs developed by the DIC. The Minister expressed confidence that the newly established laboratory would emerge as an important platform for nurturing talent, strengthening practical education and creating new opportunities for employment, enterprise and economic growth in Jammu and Kashmir. "This facility is a platform for learning and product development that will directly benefit our local communities. By providing modern tools, technical expertise and practical training, we are empowering youth to add value to local produce, develop market-ready products and build sustainable livelihoods," he said.
Addressing the gathering, Vice-Chancellor Prof. A. Ravinder Nath highlighted the broader social and economic significance of the facility and emphasized that the laboratory would serve not only as an academic resource but also as a catalyst for community-oriented development. CUKashmir Vice Chancellor, noted that the laboratory has the potential to contribute significantly to economic empowerment by fostering value addition, product prototyping and incubation activities. He observed that such initiatives are essential for bridging the gap between academic knowledge and practical application while supporting the national vision of a self-reliant and developed India.
Director, DIC, Prof. Shahid Rasool, said, the laboratory has been conceived with the objective of promoting innovation-driven education, practical skill development, product design, entrepreneurship and experiential learning in the field of food processing and value addition. Equipped with modern food processing and product development machinery, the facility houses advanced equipment including Planetary Mixer, Dough Kneader, Bakery Oven, Hot Air Oven, Laminar Air Flow, Proofer, Refrigeration Unit, Precision Weighing Balances, Tray Dryer, Muffle Furnace, Refractometer, Microscope, Water Bath and Autoclave, he added.
Joint Director, DIC, Dr. Javid Ahmad Wani, said the DIC has engaged four qualified faculty members and instructors for teaching and practical training, supported by a dedicated Laboratory Assistant responsible for laboratory operations and maintenance.