Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Oct 19: One day conference on “Agri & Food Processors’ Conclave: Finance – Technology – Market” was organized today 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), Ministry of Food & Processing Industries (MoSPI), Government of India and NABARD.
The event was organized for providing a platform to aspiring food entrepreneurs, existing SMEs in food, agriculture professionals & students, progressive farmers, Self Help Groups, etc. for sharing their views and learn about latest initiatives and opportunities available in the field of Agro Food Industries.
Jugal Kishore Sharma, Member of Parliament (Jammu-Poonch constituency), was the chief guest and Dr Gagan Bhagat, MLA, R S Pura constituency, was the guest of honour on the occasion.
Inaugurating the Conference, Jugal Kishore emphasized 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.
Prof Pradeep K.Sharma, Vice-Chancellor SKUAST-J, in his presidential address, highlighted the role of scientific technologies in increasing the agricultural production and productivity in the State. He 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, Dr K S Risam, Director Extension, SKUAST-J. Amit Sharma, MD, J&K SIDCO and B R Patnaik, General Manager, NABARD , also spoke on the occasion.
Dr R K Arora, Associate Director Extension, SKUAST, Jammu, highlighted the importance of conference for the enthusiastic budding entrepreneurs for starting new ventures in agriculture.
Dr Ombeer Tyagi, Sr. Director ASSOCHAM-India elaborated the purpose of organizing the conclave.
The conference was attended by more than 150 participants who included MBA-ABM and final year Agriculture students of SKUAST-Jammu, state Government officers, scientists of the University and progressive farmers/agripreneurs from Jammu, Kathua and Rajouri districts.
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