‘Startups Creating Profitable Employment Opportunities’
Nishikant Khajuria
JAMMU, Feb 22: Highlighting the vast potential of agriculture-based startups in the region, Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh called upon the youth of Jammu & Kashmir to move away from the “Sarkari Naukri” mindset.
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“J&K has secured a notable position in the agri-startup movement, enabling over 3000 local youth to earn substantial incomes through the lavender startup initiative, with many having joined this Purple Movement after leaving corporate careers,” he stated during the inauguration of the 2-day “National Startup Festival,” organized by CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine at Government College for Women, Gandhi Nagar, today.
The Union Minister encouraged young individuals to identify their skills and pursue entrepreneurial ventures instead of solely aiming for government jobs, emphasizing the flourishing agri-startup ecosystem in Jammu & Kashmir, particularly highlighted by lavender cultivation in Bhaderwah, Doda district, which has placed the region on the global startup landscape.
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He urged for greater involvement of urban areas in agri-startups, concentrating on expanding lavender cultivation and other high-value agricultural initiatives.
“It is essential to realize that startups extend beyond just IT (Information Technology),” he added, asserting that value addition would stem from previously untapped sectors.
The minister indicated that the National Startup Festival 2025 is a move toward establishing Jammu & Kashmir as a center of innovation, self-sufficiency, and economic empowerment, dedicating the festival to the youth of the region and underlining the significance of entrepreneurship and early industry connections in facilitating startup success.
“Over the past decade, India has escalated from a few startups to approximately 1.75 lakh, thus becoming the third-largest startup ecosystem globally. The National Startup Festival in Jammu seeks to integrate this movement into regions that previously had minimal involvement, connecting Jammu and Kashmir to India’s startup narrative,” he expressed, noting that startups not only enhance economic growth but also offer lucrative job prospects, particularly for women and Self-Help Groups (SHGs).
Dr Jitendra Singh emphasized the vital importance of industry connections and market research in ensuring the long-term viability of startups, advising budding entrepreneurs to analyze market trends right from the beginning.
The Minister also pointed out the swift expansion of India’s space economy, crediting its success to collaboration between public and private sectors. On the educational front, Dr Jitendra Singh praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 for transforming India’s education system by fostering a fair playing field and ensuring digital inclusivity. He urged students to dedicate at least 30 minutes each day to learning about Government schemes and maximizing available opportunities.
The Science and Technology Minister added that following his guidance, an MoU has been established between AIIMS, IIIM, IIT, IIM, GMC Jammu for collaborative supervision of Postgraduate students for integrated research.
During the festival, Dr Jitendra Singh explored 45 startup stalls, interacting with aspiring entrepreneurs and students presenting their innovations. He commended their contributions to India’s startup ecosystem and motivated them to persist in their innovative endeavors.
