KOCHI: After the success of PREBAV-2015, the Kerala Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (KVASU) will soon organise an Entrepreneur-Scientist-Industry-Banker meet at the regional-level to promote entrepreneurship across the state.
PREBAV-2015, the state-level meet explored the possibility of industry entrepreneur banker interface and entrepreneurs expressed keen interest in agriculture and allied sectors.
The meet will focus on areas of agripreneurship. Young entrepreneurs will be given preference during the summit, said Vice Chancellor B Ashok.
Entrepreneurs showed interest in dairy and poultry ventures. There is immense potential for food processing in the sector. Emerging market will be for ready-to-eat and ready-to-cook products, said T P Sethumadhavan, Director of Entrepreneurship.
Banks are interested to identify appropriate entrepreneurs as part of the programme. KVASU will collaborate with Kerala Grameen Bank in the area of entrepreneurship development.
KVASU scientists will facilitate identification of appropriate beneficiary, project formulation and technical support. Banks will provide financial support. Along with land, labour and capital, technology is important for promotion of commercial agri ventures in the state, said K V Shaji, Chairman, Kerala Grameen Bank.
The bank will associate with regional agripreneur meet so as to facilitate financial assistance within the shortest possible time. Entrepreneurs can also avail themselves of Agri card facilities, Shaji said.
KVASU identified commercial dairy and poultry ventures, value addition, precision farming, and startup project for promoting safe to eat concept and food processing as the potential sectors which can provide viable income to the entrepreneurs. This will be supported with banking, insurance and pollution control measures for sustainable outcome.
The university will publish a package of recommendations both in English and Malayalam along with an e copy. Measures will be taken to release it in mobile app version for the veterinarians, dairy extension officers, progressive farmers and entrepreneurs, said university officials.