To promote agricultural innovation in Himachal Pradesh, Shoolini University, in collaboration with Rajkiya Kanya MahaVidyalaya (RKMV) Shimla, has been awarded a ₹25 Lakh grant by the Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR). This grant will fuel a groundbreaking research project titled ‘Capacity Building and Youth Perception of Agriculture Entrepreneurship in Himachal Pradesh’.
The research will solve a pressing need in the region – empowering youth to explore agricultural entrepreneurship as a viable career path. The project will identify ways to equip young people with the knowledge, skills, and resources required to succeed in the growing agri-business sector by focusing on capacity-building initiatives.
Led by the Faculty of Management Sciences (FMS) at Shoolini University, this collaborative effort brings together a distinguished team of scholars. Key contributors from Shoolini University include Assistant Professor from the School of Business Management Abhilasha Chauhan, and Dean of Academics Prof Narinder Verma. Associate Professor from the Faculty of Legal Sciences, Chander Mohan, is also an integral part of the project.
On the RKMV side, Associate Professor Anurita Saxena, along with Assistant Professors Munish Sharma and Reenu Devi, bring their expertise from the Government College for Girls, Shimla, enriching the project’s academic and practical insights.
Beyond academic research, the project can make a lasting impact by critically evaluating government schemes such as the Chief Minister’s startup scheme. By identifying gaps and areas for improvement in these programs, the research aims to offer actionable recommendations that can shape future policies. These improvements could lead to more effective support for local agri-entrepreneurs, encouraging sustainable growth in rural economies.
This initiative not only strengthens the academic collaboration between two premier institutions but also aligns with broader national goals of boosting entrepreneurship and self-reliance in agriculture. The findings are expected to serve as a valuable resource for policymakers, educational institutions, and aspiring entrepreneurs, setting a precedent for how research can drive real-world change in the agricultural landscape of Himachal Pradesh.
September 9, 2024
