The National Institute of Agricultural Extension Management (MANAGE), Hyderabad, through its Fisheries Innovation and Startup Hub (MANAGE-FISHub), in collaboration with the Faculty of Fisheries, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K), Rangil, organised a two-day programme on fisheries entrepreneurship, innovation and startup development on 27–28 October 2026.
MANAGE-FISHub is an initiative associated with Dr. Saravanan Raj, Director (Agricultural Extension), MANAGE, Hyderabad.
The programme comprised the Fisheries Startup and Aquapreneurship Stakeholders’ Meet on 27 October and the Aqua Udhyami – Entrepreneurship Orientation Programme for Fishers and Aquapreneurs on 28 October 2026.
The inaugural session was attended by the Hon’ble Vice-Chancellor of SKUAST-K, Prof. Nazir Ahmad Ganai, Director Extension, Prof. Rihana Habib Kanth. Director, ICAR–Central Institute of Temperate Horticulture, Dr. M. K. Verma; Joint Director Department of Fisheries, J&K Govt. Mr. G. M. Wani , and District Development Manager, NABARD, Dr. Asif Bhat.
Prof. Gohar Bilal Wani, Dean, Faculty of Fisheries, SKUAST-K, welcomed the dignitaries and participants. Dr. Rahalya, Innovation Scaling Specialist at MANAGE, joined online and outlined the programme’s objectives and its role in advancing innovation, entrepreneurship and startup development in fisheries. She also highlighted initiatives and opportunities such as Aqua Eureka, internships, FishTech and F3 webinars.
Addressing the gathering, Prof. Nazir Ahmad Ganai emphasised the importance of innovation and the role of universities in nurturing critical thinking, creativity and an entrepreneurial mindset among students. He noted that universities must go beyond conventional teaching by encouraging students to explore emerging technologies and develop solutions to real-world challenges.
Prof. Rihana Habib Kanth highlighted the programme’s central theme, “Connect, Collaborate and Catalyse,” stressing the need for stronger linkages among aspiring entrepreneurs, research institutions and industry stakeholders to help transform innovative ideas into viable enterprises.
Mr. G. M. Wani encouraged students and faculty members to direct research and innovation towards the practical challenges faced by fish farmers and other stakeholders. Dr. M. K. Verma highlighted the contribution of fisheries and aquaculture to food and nutritional security, employment generation and the strengthening of rural livelihoods.
On the second day, the Aqua Udhyami – Entrepreneurship Orientation Programme featured sessions on government support, business development and entrepreneurial experience. Dr. Faiqa Syed, Assistant Professor-cum-Junior Scientist at KVK Ganderbal, discussed schemes available to startup founders and aquapreneurs.
Dr. Shakir Ahmad Mir, CEO of MIR FEEDS, shared his journey from student to entrepreneur, describing the early challenges he encountered and how he overcame them. Mr. Ehsan Bashir, Managing Director of Kashmir Trout, presented his success story and insights for aspiring entrepreneurs.
Dr. Ubair Nisar, Assistant Professor at IPBR, outlined government schemes, institutional support and financial assistance available for setting up enterprises. Mr. Rouf Khan, Manager at the Jammu and Kashmir Entrepreneurship Development Institute (JKEDI), delivered a presentation on marketing, branding and digital promotion of fisheries products.
The programme brought together fish farmers, aspiring aquapreneurs, startups, students, researchers, government officials and industry representatives on a common platform. It aimed to encourage knowledge exchange, strengthen institutional linkages and explore emerging opportunities in fisheries and aquaculture, with an emphasis on sustainable development and economic empowerment in Jammu and Kashmir.
