BK News
Srinagar, Nov 4: Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir Saturday (SKUAST-K) signed a memorandum (MoU) of understanding with Abu Dhabi-based LuLu Group International in a function held at the World Food India 2023 expo at Pragati Maidan New Delhi on Saturday.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the three-day World Food India 2023 expo on Saturday in which 81 countries are participating.
The MoU was signed by the Vice Chancellor SKUAST-K, Prof Nazir Ahmad Ganai and CEO LuLu Group’s Fair Exports India Division, Najimuddin Ibrahim for mutual cooperation aimed at helping J&K Agripreuners, SHGs, FPOs in providing market linkages to international markets.
Lulu Group and cooperation with SKUAST-K will assist Self Help Groups (SHGs) and Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) in gaining access to global markets for their agricultural products. In addition, Lulu Group will also facilitate the placement of BTech Food Technology students of SKUAST-K.
Prof Ganai said the important aspect of the MoU is to create links for building value chains from farm to fork. He said SKUAST-K will provide residue analysis and quality analysis certification to Kashmir-based procurements of the group for import to various countries in the Gulf and other regions of the world.
SKUAST-K has the best in-the-market labs and technology for the residue and quality analysis of fruits and other food items.
This event underscores the commitment of both SKUAST-Kashmir and Lulu Group International to promote economic and agricultural development through enhanced market linkages of the region, said Najimuddin Ibrahim, after signing the MoU.
With an annual turnover of US$ 8 billion, LuLu Group International is an Abu Dhabi-based diversified business conglomerate operating in 23 countries across countries. Founded by Kerala-born Yusuff Ali, LuLu Group’s operations range from ranges from hypermarket operations to shopping mall development, manufacturing and trading of goods, hospitality assets, and real estate. The group has import and trade domination in GCC countries.
In 2022, LuLu Group inked a pact with J&K UT Government for setting up a food processing and logistic hub in Kashmir.
As per the MoU SKUAST-K will also provide training and capacity-building programs to strengthen the skills and knowledge of SHGs and FPOs, ensuring that they meet international quality standards and compliance requirements. Besides, it will work with SHGs and FPOs to diversify their product range, enabling them to tap into a broader range of international markets. Joint efforts will also be made to ensure the products meet the highest international quality and safety standards.
