Srinagar, Aug7: Initiatives of Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K) under the Jammu & Kashmir Competitiveness Improvement of Agriculture and Allied Sectors Programme (JKCIP) came in for high appreciation from senior government officials and international delegates at the IFAD Project Partners Learning Forum and Project Directors’ Meet held at SKICC, Srinagar, on August 6.

The University’s work under the Incubation and Start-up Component and Upscaling Collectivization Component emerged as key highlights of the forum, showcasing SKUAST-K’s efforts to promote agricultural innovation, entrepreneurship, farmer collectivization and women-led agribusiness across Jammu & Kashmir.
The event was presided over by Chief Secretary, J&K, Mr. Atal Dulloo, and attended by Mr. Marc D’Souza Shields, IFAD Country Coordinator; Ms. Meera Mishra, IFAD Country Director, India; Prof. Nazir Ahmad Ganai, Vice-Chancellor, SKUAST-K; and Dr. Sagar D. Dattatray (IAS), Mission Director, HADP/JKCIP, besides other delegates from the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD).
The IFAD Country Director particularly congratulated SKUAST-K for identifying and nurturing exemplary start-ups under the JKCIP Incubation and Start-up Component, with special appreciation for the achievements of women-led start-ups. The University’s efforts in building an enabling ecosystem through innovation, mentorship, capacity building and market linkages were lauded for empowering women entrepreneurs and supporting sustainable agricultural growth.
The dignitaries also appreciated the visionary leadership and sustained commitment of Vice-Chancellor Prof. Nazir Ahmad Ganai, whose strategic guidance and institutional support have strengthened SKUAST-K’s initiatives in innovation, entrepreneurship, start-up development and farmer collectivization. His focus on building a vibrant agribusiness ecosystem and creating opportunities for rural youth and women has been instrumental in advancing the University’s JKCIP initiatives.