Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, July 10: Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Jammu (SKUAST-J) today organised Industry-Academia meet here under the World Bank-ICAR funded National Agricultural Higher Education Project -Institute Development Project (NAHEP-IDP).
Shailendra Kumar, Principal Secretary, Agriculture Production Department, Government of J&K, was the chief guest on the occasion. Main objective of the meet was to explore, identify and integrate industrial training with academic learning.
In his address, Shailendra Kumar urged to focus on Industry-Academia collaboration, establishing Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs), entrepreneurship development and collaboration under Corporate Social Responsibility to achieve the objective of Viksit Bharat. He urged the industry for hand holding of Start-Ups. He further emphasised that industry should come forward and contribute towards research and boost Start-Up culture in the Universities.
Prof B N Tripathi, Vice Chancellor, SKUAST-Jammu, who chaired the meet, said that Industry-Academia collaboration is the need of the hour to prepare students for meeting futuristic challenges of the competitive world. He urged industry to come forward for more collaboration with the University for the development of agriculture in general and farmers in particular. He reiterated that expertise of industry and agrivarsity can lead to innovation in agriculture. He stressed upon need-based and problem-oriented research that contributes towards the progress and prosperity of the farmers.
During the meet, panel discussions were held on “Strengthening Education-Infrastructural facilities and Research in partnership with Industry.”
Dr Rajinder Peshin, Director Education, delivered a presentation on “SKUAST-Jammu: Achievements, Initiatives and Opportunities for Transforming Education and Research.” Besides, Dr Ram Kumar delivered a lead lecture. Invited company guests, in their address, expressed willingness to support entrepreneurs and Start-ups. During the meet, Start-Ups, companies and university displayed their exhibits and technologies.
Earlier, Dr Sanjay Guleria, Organising Secretary presented welcome address. All the statutory officers, Heads of the Divisions, concerned faculty members and students also attended the programme. Proceedings of the meet were conducted by Dr Aditi Koul. Vote of thanks was presented by Dr Vikas Sharma, PI, NAHEP-IDP.