ICAR CIPHET-IIFA & Kisan Mela 2023: A Resounding Success in Ludhiana

Ludhiana, October 5, 2023: The Central Institute of Post-Harvest Engineering and Technology (CIPHET) has triumphantly concluded CIPHET-IIFA 2023 - Industry Interface Fair on Agro-processing & Kisan Mela, labelling a remarkable celebration of its 35th Foundation Day. Collaborating closely with COFAME, this event served as a significant platform for fostering partnerships between the agricultural processing, farming communities, and allied industry.

ICAR-CIPHET, a premier institution in post-harvest technology research and development, has consistently championed innovation in sustainable agricultural practices and agro-processing. From October 3 to 5, 2023, this prestigious event took place at the premises, attracting luminaries and stakeholders from the agricultural and agro-processing sectors.

Key highlights of CIPHET-IIFA 2023 included the Kisan Mela, Kisan Goshti, and three Industry Interface Meets, each focusing on food processing and value addition, fibers processing and startup opportunities, respectively. This event facilitated knowledge sharing, networking opportunities, and the exploration of business prospects in the processing and value-addition of agricultural produce. The industry interface meeting on "Seeds of Innovation: Post-Harvest Industry Connect" featured eminent speakers from various departments, including Start-Up Punjab, Milkfed, PSCST and MSME, with a special focus on agricultural startups. Successful entrepreneurs of ICAR-CIPHET also shared their experience during the session. On all the days, there were Live Demonstration of drone applications in agriculture, showcasing cutting-edge technology.

Throughout the fair, prominent institutions such as CIPHET, NINFET, IIMR, CIRCOT, NIFTEM, PAU, and GADVASU collaborated with farmers and entrepreneurs from diverse regions to showcase a wide array of post-harvest and value-addition techniques. These innovations were exhibited across around 80 stalls. Visitors, including farmers, students and general public also had the opportunity to explore and purchase various value-added products, including gluten-free bakery items, extruded snacks, jaggery and innovative millet-based products and handicrafts. During the valedictory function, awards were presented to the best stalls and entrepreneurs.

During his valedictory address, Dr. Nachiket Kotwaliwale, Director of ICAR-CIPHET, highlighted the event's significance in empowering the farming community and advancing the agro-processing industry, while also committing unwavering support to those engaged in post-harvest engineering and technology. Dr. Ranjeet Singh, Head of the A&ST Division & Co-Convener, extended heartfelt thanks to all visitors, experts, and media for their vital contributions, which played a pivotal role in the event's resounding success. The event witnessed a total footfall of approximately 3500 people, including students, researchers, farmers, and entrepreneurs.