Explore startups in agri streams: VC

Solan, February 17

The National Institute of Agricultural Extension Management-Center for Innovation and Agripreneurship (MANAGE-CIA), Hyderabad, in partnership with Dr YS Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, recently organised an event titled “Agri-StartUp Stakeholders Connect – Fostering Collaboration and Partnerships” at the university.

The event saw the active participation of 26 startups and agricultural stakeholders from Himachal Pradesh, along with over 200 students and faculty of the university.

Dr Inder Dev, director, extension education, welcomed the participants and said the event aimed to uniting various stakeholders, including researchers, incubators, policymakers, agripreneurs, start-ups, agro-industries, investors, extension functionaries, students, and other partners from the state. It served as a platform for presenting and exchanging innovations, views, expertise and experiences in the fields of agribusiness and agripreneurship in order to collectively contribute to the growth of the startup landscape.

Vice-Chancellor (VC) and chief guest of the event Prof Rajeshwar Singh Chandel highlighted the global interest in activities beyond the farm gate. He encouraged agriculture, horticulture and forestry graduates to explore startup opportunities to become job providers. Prof Chandel acknowledged the evolving support system for startups, emphasising the importance of utilising the favourable startup environment to transform novel ideas into profitable ventures. He said the university would look to invite agri startups from different regions of the state. Besides there would be scientific advisory committee meetings to foster collaboration between startups and the university’s research stations and Krishi Vigyan Kendras. He also suggested utilising doctoral scholars to validate the work done by the startups and generate scientific data.

The event featured an exhibition where 26 startupsshared stories and showcased their products.