 Early Times Report
JAMMU, Feb 28: The 10-day ICAR-sponsored short course on "Entrepreneurship and Startup Opportunities in Entomology" successfully concluded today at the Division of Entomology, Faculty of Agriculture, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Jammu (SKUAST-J). The program, held from February 19 to 28, 2025, aimed to foster innovation and entrepreneurship in entomology, equipping participants with the necessary skills to develop sustainable solutions in pest management, crop protection, and biodiversity conservation.
The program was inaugurated under the leadership of Prof. B.N. Tripathi, Vice Chancellor, SKUAST-Jammu, and witnessed enthusiastic participation from students, researchers, and young professionals from across the country. Dr. Anil Sharma, Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture, addressed the gathering during the inaugural session, emphasizing the crucial role of innovation in agricultural sciences and the growing need for startups in entomology.
The course featured a combination of lectures, hands-on training, interactive discussions, and field visits led by renowned entomologists and industry experts. Key sessions included:
Dr. Deepa Bhagat on nanotechnology in entrepreneurship
Dr. Ankita Gupta on taxonomic skills in entomology ventures
Dr. Hema Somananthan on taxonomy and museum curation
Mr. Gulshan Rana on crop protection industry opportunities
Dr. Anand Kumar on insect-inspired technologies
Dr. Vikas Jindal on molecular entomology's entrepreneurial potential
Dr. Barkat Hussain on pheromone technology
Dr. Ankit Alok on his loopworm-based startup journey
Dr. Pawan Sharma on broader agricultural startup opportunities
Dr. Sachin Suroshe on pollinators and income security
Dr. Subhash Chander on IPM technologies
Dr. Puneet Choudhary on drone applications in agriculture
Dr. R.K. Gupta on skill development and beekeeping entrepreneurship
Dr. K. Bali on sericulture opportunities
Dr. Uma Shankar on insect tourism and photography as emerging professions
As part of the course, participants engaged in practical exposure through field visits to the Butterfly Park and Beekeeping Units within the Department of Entomology. Dr. R.K. Gupta, Professor and Head of the Division of Entomology, provided insights into butterfly conservation, beekeeping practices, and their entrepreneurial potential. The Butterfly Park visit emphasized insect tourism and biodiversity conservation, while the Beekeeping Units visit offered hands-on training in hive management, honey extraction, and value-added product development.
The valedictory ceremony on February 28, 2025, was presided over by Dr. R.K. Gupta, who commended the participants and organizers for their dedication. In his closing remarks, he reiterated the university's commitment to fostering entrepreneurship and innovation in agricultural sciences. He encouraged participants to apply their knowledge towards establishing startups that address real-world challenges in entomology.
The event concluded with the distribution of certificates to the participants, marking the successful completion of the course. The initiative was widely appreciated for its insightful sessions and hands-on approach, reinforcing SKUAST-Jammu's dedication to bridging academia and industry while empowering young scientists to drive sustainable innovation in entomology. |
