One day workshop on “Agri- Business Entrepreneurship Development in North East India” organized by Agri-Business Incubation (ABI) Centre, ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Umiam, Meghalaya.

A One day workshop on “Agri-Business Entrepreneurship Development in North East India” was organized by Agri-Business Incubation (ABI) Centre, ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Umiam, Meghalaya on 13th August, 2019 at DNB Conference Hall. About 95 participants including startups, entrepreneurs, farmers, students, FPC’s, NGO’s, scientists, APEDA, MIE, MSRLS and officials from state govt participated in the programme. The objective of the workshop was to sensitize the youth/entrepreneurs to take up agri-business and impart technical information on different agri-business ventures suitable for north east region.

The programme was conducted under the chairmanship of Dr Narendra Singh Rathore, Deputy Director General (Agricultural Education), ICAR, New Delhi, co-chairmanship of Dr K.K. Baruah, In-charge Director, ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Umiam, Meghalaya.

Gracing the occasion Dr. K.K. Baruah, In-charge Director, ICAR RC for NEH Region, Umiam welcome the gathering and stressed on the need of agri entrepreneurship in northeast region. He also emphasized on role of livestock in small scale rural entrepreneurship development.

Dr G. Kadirvel, Principal Scientist and Principal Investigator of ABI Project outlined the main objectives of the workshop. He also underlined the various activities under ABI project, success stories and landmark achieved by Agri-Business Incubation Centre of ICAR RC for NEH Region, Umiam.

Mr. Hemanta Larma, National Coordinator, PMKVY, motivated the gathering for agri-business with his positive words and stressed on need of skill development for entrepreneurship.

The Chief Guest, Dr Narendra Singh Rathore, DDG, addressed the gathering and shared his vast experience on dairy sector in India. He highlighted the objective, status, potential and constrains of dairy development in India and explained briefly the different products of dairy processing and recent packaging and labeling trend in dairy industry. He also interacted with ABI incubates/entrepreneurs involved in dairy sector for their technical problems and briefed them with innovative solutions for high benefits and productivity.

On the outset of technical session Dr. G. Kadirvel, PI, ABI deliberated upon the scope and potential of agri-business in northeast India. During his session, he explained briefly the opportunities in different potential ventures in northeast India and encouraged the entrepreneurs/youth to set up successful agri-business enterprise.

During the programme, Smt Sunita Rai, Assistant General Manager, APEDA, outlined the different schemes of APEDA for export and setting up food processing unit. She also explained different registrations, regulations and legal framework for import and export to enthusiastic entrepreneurs.

Dr. Ram Singh, Head of Social Science, CPGS, CAU, Umiam described the scope and opportunities for students in agri-business. During his session he encouraged the students to start new agri-business venture.

Dr. J.J. Rajappa, Scientist, ICAR RC for NEH Region, explained scope and potential of medicinal and aromatic plants for entrepreneurship development. He stressed upon different medicinal plant varieties growing in north east India and their value for agri-business. Later the session was open for discussion. Entrepreneurs from different states of northeast India interacted with scientists and resource person regarding technical problems and successful set up of agri-business enterprise in the region. 

The programme ended with vote of thanks from Dr. G. Kadirvel, PI, ABI. Miss Thameridus. R. Marak, Young Professional II, ICAR RC for NEH Region Coordinated the programme. All the staff of ICAR RC for NEH Region, Umiam actively involved for smooth conduct of the programme.