SKUAST-K, Bio-Enzyme Academy join Hands to turn Waste into Wealth in J&K

SRINAGAR : Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-Kashmir) has joined hands with the Bio-Enzyme Entrepreneurs Academy of India, Bengaluru, to promote bio-enzyme entrepreneurship as a waste-to-wealth opportunity and create avenues for self-employment among students, farmers and rural entrepreneurs in Jammu and Kashmir.
A one-week Certificate Course on “Bio-Enzyme Entrepreneurship” was inaugurated today at the Vice Chancellor’s Secretariat, Shalimar Main Campus. Organised by the SKUAST-K Innovation and Incubation Entrepreneurship Centre (SKIIE) in collaboration with the Academy, the programme focuses on hands-on training in bio-enzyme production, value addition and marketing, with an emphasis on developing sustainable micro-enterprises.
The inaugural function was attended by senior officers and faculty members of the University, along with academicians, scientists, entrepreneurs and trainee participants. Guests of Honour included Priti Rao, President, Bio-Enzyme Entrepreneurs Academy of India; Prof. Raihana Habib Kanth, Director Extension; Prof. M. Altaf Bhat, Director Education; Prof. Azmat Alam Khan, Registrar; Er. Ab Rashid Bhat; Mahendra Pyati, and B.C. Kiran.
Speaking on the occasion, the Vice Chancellor appreciated SKIIE for introducing the innovative programme and stressed the potential of converting agricultural and kitchen waste into value-added, eco-friendly products. He said such initiatives align with the University’s mandate of translating research and knowledge into entrepreneurship and self-reliance, and encouraged participants to use the training to establish enterprises and contribute to the green economy.
Priti Rao highlighted the national scope of bio-enzyme-based enterprises and apprised participants of the technical and market support available through the Academy.
During the event, the University and the Bio-Enzyme Entrepreneurs Academy of India signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen collaboration in the field. A booklet titled “A Genuine Startup Dosage: Hazrat Sheikh ul Alam (RA) Entrepreneurship Model,” authored by Naveed Hamid, CEO, SKIIE Centre, was also launched.
The event further witnessed the launch of startup products of M/s XYVA Naturals Pvt. Ltd. and the SKUAST-K SAFART Passport, conceptualised by Naveed Hamid and developed by Muaolim, B.Tech Biotechnology student.
The week-long training will cover bio-enzyme preparation, quality control, packaging, branding, business planning and marketing, besides on-site visits to landfills, waste areas and fruit mandis. The programme combines classroom sessions, hands-on demonstrations and interactions with resource persons and industry experts.
The inaugural session concluded with a pledge ceremony led by the CEO, SKIIE Centre, with participants committing to responsible and sustainable entrepreneurial practices.