Parbhani, July 18: The College of Food Technology, Vasantrao Naik Marathwada Krishi Vidyapeeth (VNMKV), Parbhani, in collaboration with the Chamber for Advancement of Small and Medium Businesses (CASMB) and Seva Bharati, Devgiri, organized an Industry–Academia Interaction Program under the 'Udyam Viksit Marathwada Mission' on Saturday 18.07.2026. The programme focused on promoting agro-based industries, value addition, entrepreneurship development, and employment generation in the Marathwada Region.
Maharashtra
Minister of State for Public Health and Family Welfare, Water Supply and
Sanitation, Energy, Women and Child Development, and Public Works (Public
Undertakings), as well as Guardian Minister of Parbhani District, Hon'ble
Mrs. Meghna Sakore-Bordikar, attended the programme as the Chief Guest. The
programme was presided over by Hon'ble Vice-Chancellor of VNMKV, Prof. (Dr.)
Indra Mani. Among the distinguished guests were Director of Education Dr.BM
Thombre, Director of Research Dr. BV Asewar, Director of Extension
Education Dr. RD Ahire, University Engineer Mr. Deepak Kashalkar,
Controller Mrs. Bhagyashree Jadhav, Dean of the College of Food
Technology Dr. Rajesh Kshirsagar, CASMB General Secretary Dr. Umesh
Kamble, Project Coordinator of Natural Industries Group, Ranjani
(Dharashiv), Mr. Shripad Thombre, Mr. Atish Salunkhe of Bhoomi
Nutraceuticals, Vasmat, and food technology expert Mr. Satish Bhorkade
of Flavosys India.
In her address, Mrs.
Meghna Sakore-Bordikar emphasized that students should aspire to become job
creators rather than job seekers. She stated that agro-based industries
have the potential to reduce migration from Parbhani and the Marathwada region.
Agriculture can become more profitable only when integrated with food
processing industries and allied enterprises, making integrated farming systems
the need of the hour. She also announced that under the 'Parbhani Growth
Hub' initiative, investment proposals worth nearly ₹1,500 crore are
being planned, and a pilot project based on the 'Silk and Milk' concept
will be implemented in Parbhani district. She assured full government support
in terms of infrastructure, technical guidance, and policy assistance for
agro-based industries, urging agriculture graduates to view farming as an
entrepreneurial opportunity capable of creating large-scale enterprises.
Presiding over the
programme, Prof. (Dr.) Indra Mani highlighted that seriousness,
humility, perseverance, and consistency are essential qualities for successful
entrepreneurs. He observed that Marathwada offers immense opportunities for
agro-based industries due to its fertile land, skilled human resources, and
strong agricultural research ecosystem. Stressing the vision of "Parbhani
First," he called for close collaboration among industry, educational
institutions, and government agencies to accelerate regional development. He
also noted the success of farmer groups in collective marketing of agricultural
produce, cited the ongoing processing of forest produce such as Karvanda
in Vasmat taluka, and informed the gathering that the university has recently
secured four major research projects. He reaffirmed VNMKV's commitment to
transferring research outcomes to industries, farmers, and students.
In his
introductory remarks, Dr. Rajesh Kshirsagar, Dean of the College of Food
Technology, presented the activities of the College's Common Incubation
Centre and explained how value addition to agricultural produce can
significantly enhance farmers' income. He stated that value-added products not
only fetch higher market prices but also strengthen the rural economy and
generate employment opportunities in rural areas. Sharing his entrepreneurial
experience, Mr. Shripad Thombre said that dairy farming has emerged as a
reliable source of sustainable income in the drought-prone regions of
Marathwada. He noted that the expansion of the dairy sector in Dharashiv
district has contributed to reducing farmer suicides. Referring to ethanol
production, he remarked that sugarcane farmers now receive better prices and
that farmers are not only food providers but also energy providers. He stressed
that industries must move towards rural areas to strengthen the village
economy.
Mr. Atish Salunkhe highlighted the
increasing demand for technology-driven skilled manpower in the industrial
sector and encouraged rural youth to embrace innovation, food processing, and
start-up ventures. Mr. Satish Bhorkade observed that challenges often
create opportunities and that perseverance, consistency, and innovative
thinking are the foundation of successful enterprises.
Explaining the
objectives of the 'Udyam Viksit Marathwada Mission,' Dr. Umesh Kamble
informed that industry–academia interaction programmes are being organized
across various districts of Marathwada to promote entrepreneurship. The
initiative aims to strengthen collaboration among industries, educational
institutions, research organizations, and government agencies while creating
new avenues for employment and self-employment for local youth.
The programme was
attended by Dr. Pravin Vaidya, Dr. Rahul Ramteke, heads of
various departments, university officers and staff, office bearers of Seva
Bharati Parbhani including Mr. Boralkar, Mr. Sanjay Joshi, and Mr.
Karbhajan, entrepreneurs, representatives of Farmer Producer Companies
(FPOs), food processing professionals, students, researchers, faculty members,
and officials from different departments. The programme was compered by Dr.
Anuprita Joshi, while the vote of thanks was proposed by Dr. Umesh
Kamble.
