Agri-business entrepreneurship conclave commences

A REPORTER

SHILLONG, Feb 9: The National Agri-business Entrepreneurship Conclave commenced on Saturday at the ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Umiam, Meghalaya.

About 500 participants and with more than 80 stalls and 33 Agri-Business experts from all over India took part in the National Agri-business Entrepreneurship Conclave. Entrepreneurs, Innovative Farmers, Financial institutions, Consultants, Buyers, Scientists, Agri & Management Students, incubators, extension personals, Public representatives, policy makers and industrial partners were a part of the conclave.

The congress will conclude with the Krishi Unnati Mela on February 11.

The inaugural session began with the lightening of the ceremonial lamp. Dr N Prakash, Director, ICAR RC for NEH Region welcomed the delegates in his inaugural address he emphasized on the need of bridging the gap between the farmers and the entrepreneurs. He highlighted the fact that ICAR plays a key role in providing the missing link between the stakeholders. Dr G. Kadirvel, Principal Scientist & In charge Agri-Business Incubation ICAR (ABI) briefed about the role of ABI in building budding entrepreneurs. He stressed that ICAR provides the much needed technical support for the start-ups.

The conclave intends to bring the buyers and the sellers at one place and provide a podium for expansion. Allantry F Dkhar, Political Advisor and Secretary to Chief Minister, Government of Meghalaya in his special address appreciated the efforts taken by ICAR in bringing a change in the cult of agriculture.

He highlighted on the fact that North East is the hub for organic agriculture and sustainable growth can only be achieved through organic farming. The conclave provides an opportunity to sensitize the farmers about the scope and benefits of organic farming.

The Guest of Honour for the occasion, Dr Mangala Rai, Former Secretary, DARE & DG, ICAR, New Delhi, highlighted the importance of value addition in agricultural products.

He further added that the region lacks in cold storages and it is one of the major limitations of the region. Prof M. Premjit Singh, VC, CAU, Imphal speaking on the occasion said that the youth should make the most out of the conclave and develop the innovative ideas discussed during the technical sessions. Dr K. M Bujarbaruah, VC AAU Jorhat, the Chief Guest for the occasion laid importance on the fact that skill development can lead to development and the much-needed skill development is provided by ICAR. It is the link between the consumers and the producers.

The other dignitaries who spoke for the occasion were Padmashree Uddhab Bharali who is an innovator with more than 150 patents under his belt. The Guest of honour for the occasion was DR. K. R Dhiman, Ex VC, Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Solan said that ICAR should address the past harvest loss which is the need of the hour.

Dr Sanjeev Saxena, ADG, ICAR, New Delhi, speaking on the occasion threw light on the fact that the National Agricultural Innovation fund of ICAR has established 25 Agri-Business Incubators across the country. He appreciated the efforts taken by the ABI Centre of ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, that a commendable job is underway in exploring the potential of the region.

Dr. A. Arunachalam, ADG International Relations ICAR addressing the gathering was nostalgic about his tenure in Shillong NEHU. He further added that Jhum cultivation is the purest form of organic farming and it is a part and parcel of our tribal culture.

The day-long programme witnessed release of souvenir on ‘Agri-business Incubation Modal’, ‘Patent Landscape Analysis’ and ‘A guide to vermin-compositor Production Process and Socio-Economic Aspects’. The institute awards were also presented on the occasion. Various technical sessions were conducted throughout the day. The three-day conclave will have brainstorming sessions and conclude with the Krishi Unnati Mela on 11th February.

Also Read: Meghalaya News