Early Times Report JAMMU, Feb 5: Krishi Branding Centre, SKUAST-J ABI Foundation, Division of Agricultural Economics and ABM, SKUAST-Jammu, inaugurated a three-days' training programme (w.e.f. 4th to 6th Feb., 2026) on "Strategic Tools & Planning Approaches for Strengthening Sustainable RBSH Models through Farmer-Led Branding" under Project No. 4 - "Strengthening Agricultural Marketing in the Union Territory of J&K" of the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP). The programme was inaugurated by Prof. B. N. Tripathi, Hon'ble Vice-Chancellor, SKUAST-Jammu, who, in his address, emphasised the importance of farmer-owned branding, collective governance, and sustainable market integration for strengthening rural livelihoods. He highlighted that RBSH-based branding models have significant potential to enhance farm incomes while ensuring social and economic sustainability. The inaugural function was attended by Prof. Anil Kumar, Dean, Faculty of Agriculture/Registrar, Prof. Sudhakar Dwivedi, Director, Students Welfare, Dr. Pawan Kumar Sharma, Head, AEABM, and Prof. Anil Bhat, Associate Director Research, along with agri-entrepreneurs, members of Self Help Groups (SHGs) and farmers associated with the National Rural Livelihoods Mission (NRLM) from remote areas of Poonch and Rajouri. The programme is being conducted under the overall guidance of the Hon'ble Vice-Chancellor with leadership from Prof. Jyoti Kachroo, (Course Director of the training programme) Director, SKUAST-J ABI Foundation and Principal Investigator, Project No. 4 (Krishi Branding Centre). The programme focuses on strengthening sustainable agri-entrepreneurship through RBSH-based production and branding models, highlighting complete package of services to be provided by RBSH through resource efficiency, income stability, and collective farmer participation. It will also emphasise farmer-led branding, strategic market planning, market-oriented agricultural production linked to integrated farming systems vis-a-vis entrepreneurship opportunities in the livestock & poultry sector and hands-on training in fruit value addition and institutional support under HADP, enabling farmers and SHGs along with RBSH owners to transition to market-driven, scalable and sustainable agribusiness enterprises. |