Director IIM inaugurates entrepreneurship skill development programme in Sgr

Srinagar, March 15: The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine (CSIR-IIIM) Jammu, in collaboration with the Ministry of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME), inaugurated a seven-day Advanced Entrepreneurship Skill Development Programme (A-ESDP) Saturday at its IIIM Srinagar Branch.
Co-sponsored by CSIR’s Integrated Skill Initiatives, the workshop aims to foster innovation, self-reliance, and rural entrepreneurship by training participants in medicinal plant cultivation, mushroom farming, honey production, and crop diversification.
The inaugural ceremony was presided over by Dr Zabeer Ahmed, Director of CSIR-IIIM Jammu, who highlighted the rising culture of agri-startups and the programme’s alignment with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat and doubling farmers’ income. He emphasised the transformative potential of crop diversification, citing IIIM’s pioneering success in lavender cultivation under the Aroma Mission. “Lavender farming in Jammu and Kashmir has become a success story, empowering farmers and boosting agri-startups. Crop diversification through medicinal and aromatic plants (MAPs) enhances income while promoting climate resilience and sustainability,” he said.
Dr Ahmed also underscored the government’s commitment to fostering innovation through initiatives such as Startup India and the Aroma Mission. “India is witnessing a revolution in agri-startups, fuelled by policy support, technological advancements, and a young, dynamic workforce. From cultivation to value addition, waste-to-wealth technologies, and post-harvest management, agro-innovation is reshaping rural economies,” he said. Dr O.P. Sharma, IFS (Retd.), former Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF), attended as Chief Guest, highlighting Jammu and Kashmir’s rich biodiversity and its potential for developing sustainable enterprises in herbal products and eco-tourism. “The unique flora and fauna are invaluable assets for biodiversity-based ventures to meet the rising global demand for natural products,” he said.
Surinder Singh, Deputy General Manager (DGM) of NABARD, was the Guest of Honour, detailing financial schemes and support mechanisms for startups and entrepreneurs. He elaborated on NABARD’s initiatives, including the Agri-Clinic and Agri-Business Centre (ACABC) scheme, urging youth to leverage these resources to scale their ventures. “NABARD is committed to providing technical and financial backing to innovative agri-startups, ensuring their success in competitive markets,” he said. The workshop’s coordinator, Dr Nasir Ul Rasheed, Nodal Scientist for Skill Development, welcomed 24 participants from across India, outlining the seven-day curriculum. “Experts will provide training in high-value sectors such as medicinal and aromatic plants, mushroom cultivation, and apiculture—critical for creating livelihood opportunities and reducing dependency on traditional crops,” he said. Sponsored under MSME’s ESDP Scheme, the workshop will run for seven days, featuring hands-on training, expert sessions, and business plan development modules.