GANDERBAL: 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.The new facility aims to promote innovation, entrepreneurship, and practical skills among youth, supporting local industries and economic growth.
The event was attended by university officials, including Vice-Chancellor Prof. A. Ravinder Nath, Dean Academic Affairs and DIC Director 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, and other key faculty members and departmental heads.
Sharma praised the efforts of the DIC in fostering innovation and self-reliance among youth. He appreciated the Centre’s initiatives to preserve local craftsmanship and develop handicraft designs, emphasizing that the new laboratory would serve as a vital platform for talent development, practical education, and creating employment opportunities. He stated, “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.”
Vice-Chancellor Nath highlighted the broader social and economic importance of the laboratory, noting it would act as a catalyst for community development. He emphasized that such initiatives are crucial for bridging academic knowledge with practical application, aligning with India’s vision of self-reliance and progress. He added that the facility could significantly contribute to economic empowerment through value addition, product prototyping, and incubation activities.
Prof. Shahid Rasool explained that the laboratory was designed to promote innovation-driven education, practical skill development, product design, and entrepreneurship in food processing and value addition. Equipped with advanced machinery—including planetary mixers, dough kneaders, bakery ovens, laminar air flow units, refrigerators, water baths, microscopes, and autoclaves—the facility aims to foster experiential learning and product development.
Dr. Javid Ahmad Wani, Joint Director of DIC, noted that the centre has appointed four qualified faculty members and instructors to provide hands-on training, supported by a dedicated Laboratory Assistant responsible for operations and maintenance.
The inauguration marks a significant step toward empowering local youth, enhancing local produce value chains, and fostering sustainable economic development in Jammu and Kashmir through innovative food processing initiatives.