Srinagar: Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences & Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K) has started the three-day workshop on “Branding Agricultural Products for Market Valorization” under Hoilstic Agriculture Development Program (HADP) Project on Strengthening Agricultural Marketing in UT of J&K. The workshop was organized by School of Agricultural Economics &Horti-Business Management, Faculty of Horticulture at main campus Shalimar. The inaugural function was attended by the Vice Chancellor, Officers of the University, Heads of different Divisions, faculty staff, Director Horticulture – Planning & Marketing, Officers of development departments and CEOs of FPOs apart from entrepreneurs and students.
The purpose of the workshop is to sensitize the stakeholders about the significance of branding activity in promoting Farmer Producer Brands so that the producers realize better dividends. The program schedule of workshop is spread in various technical sessions and experts from diverse backgrounds will sensitize and train the participants about the brand building practices.
The inaugural function was started by the welcome address by Dr. F. A. Shaheen, Principal Investigator of HADP Project on Strengthening Agricultural Marketing in UT of J&K. Dr Shaheen gave the overall background and purpose of the workshop along with intended outcomes from branding activity of the project. He also welcomed the Chief Guest, Guest of Honour and other dignitaries for gracing the occasion.
Vikas Sharma (JKAS), Director Horticulture, P&M and Chairman of Grounding & Monitoring Committee of HADP Project on Agricultural Marketing made the house aware about the various schemes of the HADP Project along with the status of various activities. He stressed to FPOs to come forward and take full advantage of these schemes for the upliftment of farming society and changing the landscape of rural economy from subsistence to commercial.
Mr. Javid Parsa, the Founder & CEO of Parsa Foods & Beverages Pvt. Ltd, who was invited as an expert speaker, gave a detailed talk on the brand building through sharing his own experience of PARSA as a brand. He made some case examples for succeeding in today’s competitive market economy through effective brand positioning of products and services. Mr. Parsa also lauded the efforts of the University, particularly, the Vice Chancellor in creating an ecosystem of ideation, entrepreneurship and start-ups and offered his services for mentoring the potential student entrepreneurs.
Prof. Nazir Ahmad Ganaie, Vice Chancellor, SKUAST-K shared his ideas regarding creating a model bio-economy state in J&K through efficient use of resources, technology and innovation. He gave a brief summary of HADP genesis and formulation of the entire program and its intended outcomes. He stressed upon youth to take advantage of the new learning ecosystem along with government schemes in order to gravitas in the agri-business ventures. He complemented the organizing team for coming up with this workshop and wished them a grand success.
Dr. S. H. Baba, Prof. & Head, School of Agricultural Economics & Horti-Business Management presented vote of thanks and ensured the august house that all activities of the HADP Project will be pursued with utmost zeal and passion to come up with tangible outputs in the larger interest of farming society.

KR Desk