Kashmir, August 21, 2026- Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha opened a series of facilities at the Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology Jammu and started the Startup Outreach Programme under JKCIP. The event brought together researchers, inventors, young entrepreneurs and farmers from over the Jammu region.
The facilities that were opened included the Unnati Girls Hostel, the Centre for AI and ML in Agriculture the Centre for Mushroom Research and Innovation the Advanced Sericulture Laboratory and the Centre for Digital Media and Publication. Sinha said these are not just buildings but a promise to the regions inventors, entrepreneurs, researchers and farming families.
He talked about examples from around the world such as a dairy innovation centre that brings scientists, companies and farmers together using artificial intelligence for nutrition and animal health; Israels data-driven farm management; New Zealands improvements in animal husbandry; and a Brazilian company that turned a farmers everyday problem into a widely used solution. He said agriculture and related areas are the big area for innovation.
He warned the youth in the region not to copy models from other places. He told them to study their fields, farmers, climate and local challenges before creating solutions that fit their needs.
“Different countries have found ways to solve their problems and now it is time for Jammu and Kashmir to find ways to solve its own ” Sinha said.
He mentioned a change in the goals of young people in India pointing out that young people in Jammu and Kashmir are more interested in creating jobs than waiting for them. He called this a part of the vision for a self-reliant Jammu and Kashmir.
“Your degree is not the end point; it is a runway for your flight to success ” he told students. “SKUAST-Jammu will give you knowledge your curiosity will give you ideas and your courage will turn that idea into a startup. With patience, honesty and consistent effort that startup will one day give someone a job and dignity. That is the meaning of a self-reliant Jammu and Kashmir. A place where every young person becomes an employer based on their own ability and talent.”
Sinha also encouraged farmers to go beyond growing crops pointing to opportunities in cold chains, sorting and packaging units, local branding and online marketplaces that connect Jammu and Kashmirs produce to buyers in Delhi, Dubai and more.
On the role of women in business he said no entrepreneurship movement can be complete without women taking part actively and that no economy can truly be strong until women are equal partners. “I don’t just want to see women in businesses ” he said. “I want to see businesses led by women.”
He added that he expects Jammu and Kashmir to be more known in the coming years for innovation, agricultural entrepreneurship and youth leadership. “Do not make your dreams small. Do not let your circumstances limit your future. Get strength from your roots direction from knowledge speed from technology and create your path with determination ” he said.
Eight startups, farmer producer organisations and cooperatives were given recognition during the program for their contributions to agriculture adding value and developing enterprises across the Jammu division.
Four books were also released: “Policy Document for Promoting Medicinal and Aromatic Plants in J&K ” “Chronicle of Innovation & Startups under RKVY-RAFTAAR SKUAST-Jammu ” “Value on the Vine: Economic and Market Dynamics of Vegetables ” and “Students Rural Exploration Programme.”
The event was attended by Shailendra Kumar, Additional Chief Secretary, Finance Department; Prof. B.N. Tripathi, Vice Chancellor, SKUAST-Jammu; Dr. Amrish Vaid, Director Extension; Dr. Anil Kumar, Registrar; along, with SKUAST faculty, officials, students, scientists, entrepreneurs and representatives of startups, FPOs and cooperatives.
