There is a tremendous untapped potential for agri-tech start-ups, Singh said

Union Minister of State Jitendra Singh has urged the industry body CII to support startups in Jammu and Kashmir in order to give young people gainful employment.

According to Singh, the topography and climate of J&K are ideal for the production of medicinal and aromatic plants, thus there is a tremendous untapped potential for agri-tech start-ups.

The MoS, who is a Member of Parliament from J&K, further claimed that the success of Aroma Mission, often known as the "Purple Revolution," is evidence of a situation where farmers and young entrepreneurs both stand to gain.

In his interaction with the J&K Chapter of the Confederation of Indian Industry, he said that the true stakeholders from all spheres of life should come out with an open mind for the overall development of the UT.

He remembered how Prime Minister Narendra Modi had requested that "Dilli ki Doori" (the distance from Delhi) and "Dil ki Doori" (the distance from the heart) be eliminated last year when speaking with political members from J&K.

Later, Union Minister Singh pledged complete support from the Department of Biotechnology, CSIR, and Department of Atomic Energy for the development of agri-tech start-ups in Jammu and Kashmir.

He emphasized that, in addition to the Aroma Mission, the Biotech KISAN Hub has revitalized 40 apple orchards through its revitalization of apple orchards program.

Speaking at the event, Sayed Ehsan Javaid, the chairman of the CII UT Council for Jammu and Kashmir, stated that since the repeal of Article 370 on August 5, 2019, the organization has adopted the theme "Making J&K an Aspirational Destination" and is actively acting as a catalyst for the long-term growth of the UT and promoting it as a desirable location for investments, high-quality education, and advanced infrastructure.

According to Javaid, CII plans to use policy discussions, sectoral gatherings, B2B and B2G platforms, and investment meetings to work in the areas where the UT has significant untapped potential in the future. To collaborate with the Jammu and Kashmir government, the CII will take advantage of its worldwide network and extensive resources, he added.