Minister for Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs, Information Technology, and Science & Technology, Satish Sharma, emphasized the pivotal role of scientific innovation, technology integration, and climate-resilient practices in transforming agriculture into a sustainable and economically viable sector in Jammu & Kashmir. Speaking at the Foundation Day celebration of Unati Agri Allied & Marketing Multi-State Cooperative Society Limited, organized in collaboration with the Department of Science and Technology, J&K UT, Sharma underscored the government’s commitment to empowering farmers through modern agricultural techniques and renewable energy solutions.
The event, themed “Sustainable Agriculture through Scientific Interventions,” served as a platform for scientists, policymakers, farmers, entrepreneurs, and youth to converge and discuss the future of agriculture in the region. Sharma highlighted the need for agriculture to evolve beyond subsistence farming, stating, “Agriculture today must be smart, sustainable, and scalable. Through scientific interventions and robust policy support, we are enabling farmers to become self-reliant, tech-savvy, and economically empowered.”
The Minister commended the efforts of Unati Agri Allied Cooperative and the Science & Technology Department in creating a knowledge-driven platform that aligns with the vision of climate-smart, tech-enabled agriculture. He reaffirmed the government’s resolve to support such initiatives, ensuring greater outreach, funding, and policy facilitation to unlock the full potential of Jammu and Kashmir’s agricultural sector.
The programme saw the participation of several distinguished dignitaries and domain experts, including Dr. Jatinder Kaur Arora, Advisor at PU–IIT Ropar, Northern Cluster, Director of the Agriculture Department, J&K, Additional Director of J&K Science, Technology & Innovation Council (JKSTIC), Dr. Nasir Shah, and Regional Head of JAKEDA, Deepak Sharma. Expert sessions on organic farming, regenerative practices, biotechnology, and precision agriculture were key highlights of the event. Demonstrations on the use of solar and renewable energy in farming, including initiatives under the KUSUM scheme, were also conducted. Additionally, awareness was raised about government-supported schemes to promote agri-entrepreneurship and aroma cultivation, with a strong emphasis on integrating youth and startups into the agricultural innovation ecosystem.
Dr. Nasir Shah called for strengthening the bridge between science and field-level practices, while Dr. Jatinder Kaur Arora advocated for a convergence model involving research institutions, cooperatives, and technology startups to scale sustainable solutions across agro-climatic zones. Participants, including farmers, students, and agri-preneurs, were sensitized about initiatives led by JKSTIC and JAKEDA, such as the installation of solar pumps under the KUSUM scheme and the promotion of aroma farming clusters for high-value, low-footprint agriculture.
The implications of this event are significant. By fostering a collaborative environment that brings together various stakeholders, the government is paving the way for a more sustainable and technologically advanced agricultural sector in Jammu & Kashmir. This approach not only aims to enhance productivity and economic viability but also ensures that farming practices are resilient to climate change. The focus on integrating youth and startups into the agricultural innovation ecosystem is particularly noteworthy, as it promises to bring fresh perspectives and innovative solutions to the sector. Moreover, the emphasis on renewable energy and high-value crops like aroma farming underscores the commitment to sustainable and economically beneficial agricultural practices.