Ramban, Jan 20: In a significant milestone towards promoting rural entrepreneurship and strengthening the agricultural sector, the district administration Ramban inaugurated the Rural Business Services Hub at Maitra area of the district on Monday.
This initiative is part of the Holistic Agriculture Development Program (HADP) and aims to provide comprehensive agro-business services to farmers, rural entrepreneurs, and the local community. Sponsored by the Department of Planning and Marketing (P&M), Jammu and Kashmir Government, the facility will offer a range of services aimed at enhancing agricultural operations, improving productivity, and increasing income for farmers.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by key dignitaries, including Chairperson District Development Council (DDC) Dr. Shamshad Shan, MLA Ramban Arjun Singh Raju, Deputy Commissioner Baseer-Ul-Haq Chaudhary, Senior Superintendent of Police Kulbir Singh, Assistant Commissioner Revenue S. Harpal Singh, Chief Agriculture Officer Ram Gopal Sharma, and AGMO Horticulture P&M Raju Zutshi. Prominent citizens, local entrepreneurs, farmers, and officials from various departments were also present, showing their support for the initiative.
The business hub, named “Zaheeda Agro Trading Co,” is a private agro-enterprise established under HADP, designed to promote rural entrepreneurship. The hub will act as a one-stop facility offering a wide range of services tailored to meet the needs of the farming community. These services include support for agro-based businesses, marketing of agricultural products, capacity-building for farmers, and guidance on modern farming techniques, all aimed at increasing income and sustainability for rural households.
During her address, Dr. Shamshad Shan, the Chairperson of the DDC, praised the collaborative efforts between the government and private stakeholders in bringing this initiative to fruition. She stressed on the importance of such ventures in enhancing the economic stability of rural areas by offering accessible solutions and empowering the local population. Dr. Shan encouraged farmers to actively engage with the hub’s offerings and make the most of the opportunities it presents.
“Such initiatives not only help in increasing the income of farmers but also contribute to the overall development of rural communities. This is a step toward creating a self-sustaining farming community, which is crucial for the district’s socio-economic growth,” she added.
The Rural Business Services Hub is expected to have a profound impact on Ramban’s agricultural sector by providing farmers with the tools, knowledge, and resources they need to thrive. It will also create jobs in rural areas and help to reduce migration by fostering local entrepreneurship. The facility is seen as a key element in the government’s commitment to ensuring that agriculture remains the backbone of the region’s economy while offering sustainable livelihoods to its youth.
The inauguration of the hub is a testament to the district’s ongoing efforts to explore and unlock the vast potential of the agriculture and allied sectors. With initiatives like this, the district aims to provide the youth with the skills and opportunities needed to build a brighter, more prosperous future in farming and entrepreneurship.
