Agri-entrepreneurship must to meet job market challenges

HYDERABAD: Industry experts and academicians on Friday underscored a need to promote entrepreneurship in order to overcome shortages of employment opportunities in Sindh.

Trainer Azhar Rizvi, who’s authored a book on entrepreneurship, said agri-entrepreneurial culture should be fostered to support job market.

“I have received 12 business plans from 35 different small-scale enterprises revolving around the theme of agri-entrepreneurship,” Rizvi, who has trained more than 10,000 graduates from 62 public and private universities of Pakistan, said addressing a workshop.

His book ‘Entrepreneuring Pakistan’ features successful business models.

Rizvi, speaking during the last day of the event, said the business plans are related to animal husbandry and veterinary sciences, hatchery, breeding, supply chain, feed, animal health and value-added yield. “We are seeking initiatives in agricultural engineering, resource management, farming technologies and structures, supply chain solutions and produce management.”

Sindh Enterprise Development Fund, Higher Education Commission and Sindh Agriculture University (SAU) Tandojam jointly hosted the three-day workshop which attracted 175 students. Farmers, businessmen and people associated with local level industry also participated to share experiences and learning.

SAU Vice Chancellor Mujeebuddin Memon, while talking on the occasion, said the interaction with a larger group of students, farmers and businessmen will help in generating more business ideas.

“This exercise will empower rural farmers to launch their own businesses on agriculture products, as they have capacity to identify seeds, manufacture local fertiliser and protect their crops,” Memon said. “Challenges are there at every step but this way of knowledge sharing may bring change in mindset.”

SAU Vice Chancellor said Sindh has potential to produce almost all seasonal crops with favourable weather and generate jobs for hundreds of people. SAU is contributing to produce learned cadre in different fields, ranging from land management, crop production and protection, soil maintenance, water management, agriculture engineering and seeds preparing.

Memon said SAU has already established business incubation centre (BIC) with the support of Higher Education Commission. “The purpose of BIC is to develop entrepreneurship skills, help youth harvest business plans and empower them to start business at small scale.”

Ismail Kumbhar, a focal person of the agriculture university, said the SAU program aims to accelerate the growth of agribusinesses in Sindh.

“We need to develop and test new approaches and connect entrepreneurs with knowledge, markets, networks and capital,” Kumbhar said. “SAU youth has potential to participate and prepare business plan in the field of agriculture, food technology, dairy, nutrition management, water management, agriculture engineering and other related agri business developments.”

Kumbhar stressed a need of building capacity to help local businesses compete in the market.

“University cadre can be supportive to deliver proven methodologies for planning, supporting, growing and monitoring innovative agribusiness enterprises,” he said.

Kumbhar said there is a huge potential among rural women, who can take lead in businesses, such as horticulture, and earn income to support their families.

Mahboobul Haq, chief executive officer of Sindh Enterprise Development Fund (SEDF) said Sindh is rich in natural resources and Sindh Board of Investment and SEDF are engaging financial institutions and investors for the development of agriculture sector in the province.

Haq said the focus is to explore youth talent and provide them opportunities to set up small and medium enterprises. “SAU youth could be the best entrepreneur after completing this training process.” He appreciated the efforts of SAU management for coordination and support.