Page 26 - EDII Report 130

Building Skills to Harness the Potential of

Agri Entrepreneurship

On January 22, 2025, a capacity building programme was conducted at the EDII campus for
officials from Gujarat Narmada Valley Fertilizers & Chemicals Ltd. (GNFC). The programme
was specially designed to empower and equip the participating officials with essential skills
and expertise needed to effectively support and guide farmers in their transformation into
successful agri-entrepreneurs.

Dr. Sunil Shukla, Director General, EDII, in his inaugural address emphasized the crucial role
that farmers play in food security and rural prosperity. He highlighted innovations like
hydroponics, tissue culture and drone technology, showcasing the rising potential of
amalgamating technology in agriculture to boost productivity and reduce costs. Dr. Shukla
also discussed the promising opportunity of dragon fruit cultivation in Gujarat and
emphasized the growing funding opportunities for agri-entrepreneurs, underscoring the
intersection of technology, opportunity and funding in driving agricultural growth.

Keynote speakers Mr. J. B. Patel, Distinguished Visiting Faculty; Mr. Laxman Rathore,
Corporate Consultant and Dr. Pankaj Bharti, Associate Professor, EDII shared insights on
business opportunity identification, agri-entrepreneurship and entrepreneurial mindset &
competencies. GNFC officials Shri Vishwanath Biradar, Additional General Manager; Shri
M.K.Patel, Chief Marketing Manager and Shri SV Lathigara, Chief Marketing Manager
(Gujarat) discussed the potential and challenges of farmers, highlighting issues like
resource access, market price fluctuations, and limited technology integration.
Dr. Satya Acharya, Director - Dept. of Entrepreneurship Education expressed his views on
the growing potential of agri-entrepreneurship, and the ways & means to tap this.

GNFC officials with Dr. Satya Ranjan Acharya, Programme Director & faculty members, EDII.

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