PAU holds a workshop for self-help groups

Ludhiana, June 23, 2023: With an aim to empower self-help groups (SHGs), the Skill Development Centre of the Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) organised a workshop on “Food Production, Packaging and Marketing” in which 50 members of SHGs participated.

The chief guest Dr Satbir Singh Gosal, Vice-Chancellor, PAU, said that whetting of skills in allied agriculture enterprises was essential before venturing into entrepreneurship. “Acquire trainings from PAU, utilize your talent to the fullest and contribute to the economic welfare of your families,” he urged the participants.

Sandeep Kumar, Additional Deputy Commissioner (rural development), Ludhiana, who was the guest of honour, advised the participants to expand their business after seeking technical guidance from PAU. “Self-reliance is vital for it offers dual benefits in the terms of fiscal independence as well as raising the living standards of families,” he added.

Dr GS Buttar, Director of Extension Education, suggested obtaining knowledge and training in allied agricultural occupations from PAU, and called for their adoption on a large scale for financial and environmental sustainability.

The technical coordinator Dr Ramandeep Singh, Director, School of Business Studies, advocated the transformation of agriculture into agro-business by understanding the food value chain, production of food products and their direct marketing to the consumers. Inspecting the food products of SHGs, he suggested measures to improve labeling, packaging and branding.

Dr Savita Sharma, Head, Department of Food Science and Technology, and Dr Arshdeep Singh, food technologist, shared food processing technologies for enhancing the value of agricultural produce and raising the income of farmers.

Dr Mahesh Kumar Sharma, an expert from Department of Processing and Food Engineering, provided tips for the selection of apt machinery for agro-processing, shared roadmap for setting up of agro-processing plant and dwelt upon packaging of food products.

Earlier, Dr Rupinder Kaur, Associate Director (Skill Development) and Programme Director, welcomed the dignitaries and the participants.

Dr Lavleesh Garg, Extension Scientist, proposed a vote of thanks.