Discussions were held on prospects, challenges, technologies and strategies
The ICAR-Research Complex for North-Eastern Hill Region, Meghalaya recently organised a two-day National Conference on “Agri-Start-Ups: Prospects, Challenges, Technologies and Strategies (AGRiPACTS – 2022)” at Manan Kendra, Gangtok, Sikkim.
The conference focussed on agri-business ecosystems, potential technologies, IPR technologies and commercialisation, challenges faced by ecosystem builders and agri startups and convergence among stakeholders.
The Chief Guest, Lok Nath Sharma, Minister of Agriculture, Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Service, Government of Sikkim highlighted the importance of organic farming and initiatives for the highest purity standards to create opportunities and demand for the agricultural products from Sikkim to the other parts of the country and globe. The Government of Sikkim’s initiatives for the widespread marketing opportunities and self-sufficiency achieved in milk production were also underlined by the Minister.
The Guest of Honor, Prof Avinash Khare, Vice-Chancellor, Sikkim University, Sikkim emphasised the branding of the agricultural products and processed items from Sikkim for marketing for sustainability and income generation of employment.
P Vaiphei, Additional Chief Secretary, Government of Manipur outlined the importance of developing Entrepreneurs in agriculture particularly, in organic products.
The need for the product development and issues of quality at start-ups / Farmers’ Producers’ Organizations and Entrepreneurs to reach customer level through networking was stressed by Dr K Srinivas, ADG (IP&TM), ICAR.
Earlier, Dr R Laha, Joint Director, ICAR-Research Complex for NEH Region, Sikkim Centre delivered the welcome address.
More than 500 participants from all over the country including 70 Scientists / Venture or Business Experts; 75 office bearers/members of farmers’ producers’ companies / Organizations (FPCs / FPOs); 20 successful agri-start-ups and 120 state officials from all over the North-East Region, etc., participated in the conference.
