PAU Regional Research Station Bathinda organises training on quinoa cultivation and processing

Ludhiana, December 23, 2024: The Punjab Agricultural University's (PAU) Regional Research Station, Bathinda, successfully conducted a five-day training programme on “Quinoa Cultivation and Processing” from December 16 to 20. The programme aimed to create awareness about quinoa as a sustainable crop among farmers and farm women. It was organized under the project "Optimization of Cultivation and Processing Techniques of Quinoa for Women Farmers and Entrepreneurs of the South-Western Region of Punjab," funded by the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Science for Equity, Empowerment, and Development (SEED) Division, Government of India.

Dr. Kawaljit Singh Sandhu, Head of the Department of Food Science and Technology, Maharaja Ranjit Singh Technical University, Bathinda, and LPAC Chairman, highlighted the opportunities in quinoa processing and value addition. He stressed the importance of innovative processing technologies in enhancing quinoa's market potential and positioning it as a key player in global food markets.

Gurmanpreet Singh Dhaliwal, District Manager, Markfed, Bathinda, and LPAC Member, spoke on the significance of innovative marketing strategies such as digital platforms, direct-to-consumer sales, and supply chain improvements to maximize profitability and market reach.

Participants, including farmers and local individuals from nearby villages, were introduced to quinoa cultivation techniques, processing methods, and the preparation of value-added products such as chapattis, cookies, and muffins made from quinoa. The hands-on sessions provided practical skills and knowledge to enable participants to adopt quinoa cultivation and explore entrepreneurial opportunities.

The programme concluded with remarks from Dr. Karamjit Singh Sekhon, Director, Regional Research Station, Bathinda, and Convenor of the Local Project Advisory Committee (LPAC). He emphasized PAU’s pivotal role in promoting sustainable agriculture and encouraged participants to explore quinoa as an environmentally sustainable crop with immense potential for self-employment and economic stability.

The event was coordinated by Dr. Anureet Kaur Dhaliwal, Senior Agronomist and Project Principal Investigator, and Dr. Gurpreet Kaur Dhillon, Food Technologist and Co-Principal Investigator, at Regional Research Station, Bathinda.