Srinagar: Faculty of Agriculture, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences & Technology of Kashmir on Friday launched 10 skill training programmes for entrepreneurship under the banner of SKUAST-K Innovation, Incubation & Entrepreneurship (SKIIE) Centre sponsored by Ministry of Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSME). These skill training programmes will provide basic training for different sections of the society including ST, SC, women and physically handicapped, Ex-servicemen, and BPL persons for self-employment/entrepreneurship with an ultimate objective to promote new enterprises and inculcate entrepreneurial culture in UT of Jammu & Kashmir. In addition to participants, the inaugural session was attended by HoD’s, Scientists, Heads of KVKs, CAO and CHO of District Baramulla.
Director Extension, SKUAST-K, Prof. Dil Mohammad Makhdoomi, gave a detailed overview of the extension outreach of the University and skill-building programmes already conducted by the University. He advised the trainees to empower themselves through specific skills and join self-help groups to serve the society at large and to earn the living in a dignified manner. He also stated that the focus of the training should be to encourage and identify youth who are motivated towards startup creation and entrepreneurship so that they can turn around the economy. Director Planning and Monitoring, SKUAST-K, Prof. Haroon Rashid Naik, enlightened the participants about the importance of the skill based training programmes to build entrepreneurial mindset among the youth and develop their skills so they can launch their own innovation-led startups and business ventures. He also stated that SKUAST-K Innovation, Incubation & Entrepreneurship Centre will not only focus on innovative design, entrepreneurship development but will also enhance the employability rate amongst the youth, while strengthening Industry-Academic partnership. Additional Deputy Commissioner Sopore, Parvaiz Sajad, who attended inaugural function as a chief guest, emphasized that in a present scenario, we would need to reorient our energies and talents to not just stay relevant, but become a dominant force in the world. Dean Faculty of Agriculture, Prof. Raihana H. Kanth in her welcome address said, the trainings will help to upgrade skills of prospective entrepreneurs coupled with specific skills, hands on practice or demonstration relating to activities. She also said the skill training is a great service for our society to empower unemployed youth and enable them for a better life. Assistant Director, MSME, Development and Facilitation Office Srinagar Branch, Saheel Allaqband, stated that in the face of fast changing global economy, the youth of J&K need relevant training and up-scaling of their existing skills. The inaugural function ended with the vote of thanks proposed by Prof. Imtiyaz A. Lone.

KR Desk