A 2-day National Symposium with the theme “Strategies for promotion of incubatee in Agriculture and Allied Sectors in the Northeastern Region of India ” was inaugurated by Dr. Ch. Srinivasa Rao, Director, ICAR-National Academy of Agricultural Research Management, Hyderabad on Wednesday.
The national symposium was organized by the Agri-Bussiness Incubation Centre of ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region.
Addressing the occasion, Dr Ch Srinivasa Rao said that this two day Agripreneurs meet will help to bring together all the stakeholders covering researchers, incubators, policy makers, agripreneurs, startups, agro-industries, corporate bodies, investors, extension functionaries, students and other partners from around the country to present and share their innovations, views, expertise and experience on agribusiness and agripreneurship.
He further stressed that the young Farmers of the present generation should not be job seekers but job providers. He emphasized that now the time has come when we should try to capture the International markets. In this regard he firmly believes that it is a big opportunity for the North-East, as it is a biodiversity hotspot which has many unique marketable products. He said Agripreneurs meet is a potential platform which can have solutions to many farmers-market related problems.
While highlighting the activities of the Institute Dr. V. K. Mishra, Director, ICAR-RC-NEH, Umiam said that the event will help to provide better awareness among the key stakeholders, industries and investors about the agricultural potential of the state, business opportunities available and the scope for investment. It will provide a platform to the national organizations in food, agriculture, animal husbandry, horticulture, agribusiness and rural development for linkages & partnerships and come up with comprehensive policy recommendations.
Briefing about the activities of the Agri-Business Incubation Centre, Dr. B. P. Singh, Head Division of Technology Assessment and Capacity Building (DTAC), said that the Prime Minister& Vocal for Local and Local for Global wanted our local brands to have a prominent presence in the global market, where the agri-business sector can play a key role. Agribusiness in India has the potential to play this critical role in the livelihoods and well-being of a large segment of the population and for the economic vitality of the country’s economy.
Dr. A.K.Mohanty, Director, ATARI, Umiam said that farmers need to have the perspective of a businessman in today’s era. He also expressed research should be done in a collaborative manner which is as per the requirement of the industries. The major strength of the country is the working population which is highest in India as a whole. He further added that it is high time the scientist should come out with industry ready technologies. The major strength of the country is the working population which is highest in India as a whole.
Dr. G. Kadirvel, Director, ATARI Guwahati, in his address said that the production cost and market demands should be kept in view while preparing a project proposal. He stressed that in Agriculture innovation is very less compared to the other sectors. Emphasizing that more attention is required in the product branding, packaging and promotion for better success.
As part of the occasion, chief guest Dr. Ch. Srinivasa Rao, also released a souvenir cum book of abstracts and inaugurated an exhibition which had participation of agripreneurs from different states.