STATE TIMES NEWS
JAMMU: A one day Conference on Agri and Food Processor’s Conclave: Finance – Technology – Market was organised on Wednesday by The Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industries of India (ASSOCHAM) in collaboration with Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Jammu (SKUAST-J) as a joint venture for providing a platform to aspiring food entrepreneurs. Dr. Ombeer Tyagi, Sr. Director ASSOCHAM-India welcomed the dignitaries and elaborated the purpose of organising the Conclave.
Jugal Kishore Sharma, Member of Parliament Jammu-Poonch Constituency was the Chief Guest and Dr. Gagan Bhagat, MLA, R S Pura was the Guest of Honour on the occasion.
Inaugurating the conference, Jugal Kishore emphasised upon the role of creating jobs and opportunity for youths of the State through food processing industries.
He advocated the development of industrial sector including agro-processing industries for overall development of State’s economy. Dr. Gagan wished that the conference would boost the vital linkage and synergy between the agriculture and industry.
Prof. Pradeep K. Sharma, in his presidential address, stressed upon the development of marketing and industrial infrastructure for complimenting the increasing food grain production and farm income of marginal and small farmers. He underlined the initiative of SKUAST-Jammu to launch MBA-Agri Business Management for developing youths as Agri-professionals, to make them ready to serve the industries, especially Agro-food and processing industries.
Rakesh Gupta, President, Chambers of Commerce, Jammu thanked ASSOCHAM-India for organising the conference at Jammu. Dr. K.S Risam, Director Extension, SKUAST-J highlighted the need for organising vocational training for rural youths to make them confident in developing their own vocations in rural areas.
Amit Sharma, MD, J and K SIDCO highlighted the food processing infrastructure developed in the State. B.R Patnaik, General Manager, NABARD discussed various financial schemes funded by NABARD to help farmers and rural youths to develop into successful agripreneurs.
Amit Sharma also shared the steps taken by the State Government to boost Agro-food and processing industries in the State. He elaborated the benefits available to the youths of the State for creating employment opportunities.
Dev Raj, a progressive farmer expressed concerns of farmers in terms of developing agro-processing units. Dr. R.K Arora, Associate Director Extension, SKUAST, Jammu presented the vote of thanks.
