‘If You Have Idea, We Will Fund It’, CM Promises Support for Youth Innovation at SKUAST-K Convocation

SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Friday urged young graduates to become active architects of a new and transformed Union Territory, promising full government support for those who show initiative, innovation, and courage.

Speaking at the 6th Convocation Ceremony of Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (SKUAST)-Kashmir, Abdullah told a packed audience, “If you have an idea, we’ll fund it. If you have a plan, we’ll partner with you. If you have the courage, we will support you.”

The convocation, held in Srinagar, was attended by Union Minister for Agriculture and Rural Development Shivraj Singh Chouhan, who served as Chief Guest, along with Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, the university’s Chancellor. Also present were Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary, cabinet ministers, MLAs, senior bureaucrats, SKUAST-K faculty, and hundreds of graduating students.

In his address, the Chief Minister underscored the urgent need for youth-driven innovation, particularly in the agriculture and allied sectors. “You are uniquely trained to bridge science and society. Don’t just seek jobs — create them,” he urged.

Abdullah encouraged students to venture into agri-startups, consulting for farmer groups, and privatised extension services. He called on graduates to develop climate-smart farming solutions, boost rural employment through agri-enterprises, and double incomes for small and marginal farmers.

“Whether you go to Bengaluru or Berlin, carry J&K in your heart,” the CM said, calling on the youth to shape the region’s future through “service, not slogans, and excellence, not entitlement.”

Referring to the symbolism of a seed, he told students, “A seed faces darkness and resistance. Yet it grows into a tree that offers shade, fruit, and shelter. Water your dreams with effort, and the world will benefit from your growth.”

The Chief Minister also used the occasion to highlight SKUAST-K’s contributions to temperate horticulture, mountain farming, organic cultivation, and livestock research. He described agriculture not just as the backbone of the J and K economy, but also as a defining element of Kashmiri culture and identity, with over 70 per cent of the population dependent on it.

Abdullah said the UT’s agricultural vision draws inspiration from Sheikh Muhammad Abdullah’s ideals of equity, self-reliance, and grassroots empowerment.

Announcing a sweeping Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP) with an investment of over Rs 5,000 crore, Abdullah called it one of the most ambitious reforms in the UT’s history. “It integrates science, financial inclusion, and governance to transform agriculture into a tech-enabled and high-value sector,” he said.

Under HADP, 29 transformative projects have been launched, including high-density apple and walnut plantations, modern sheep husbandry clusters, dairy upgrades, saffron revival, and agribusiness value chains for employment generation. The programme focuses on precision farming, post-harvest management, and data-driven decision-making.

He urged graduates to act as crucial connectors between research labs and rural communities, bringing knowledge to the field and feedback back into the system.

Earlier in the ceremony, Omar Abdullah led the convocation’s graduate pledge, calling on students to uphold truth, perseverance, and service. He congratulated the female students, who earned the majority of gold medals this year.

“To the daughters of this land — you are scripting a golden future with your brilliance,” he said, lauding their academic achievements and societal impact.

The event saw the conferral of 5,250 degrees, with 150 gold medals and 445 merit certificates awarded. The SKUAST-K Vice Chancellor, Prof Nazir Ahmad Ganai, presented the university report, highlighting achievements in academics, research, and rural extension.

In closing, Abdullah expressed hope that J and K’s youth would rise as leaders in a future that is scientific, sustainable, and dignified.