Agri-based entrepreneurship, value addition focus of PAU conclave

“Punjab has made a significant progress because of the unceasing devotion of the scientists of Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) and unwavering toil of the farmers of the state,” observed Gurmeet Singh Khuddian, Agriculture Minister, while delivering his inaugural address at the conclave on “Prime Minister Formulisation of Micro Food Processing Enterprises (PMFME) scheme,” organised at PAU today.

The Directorate of Extension Education, PAU, in collaboration with the Punjab Agro Industrial Corporation, Department of Food Processing, Punjab, and the Department of Processing and Food Engineering, PAU, had organised a one-day conclave which was attended by entrepreneurs, farmers and the scientists of the university in large numbers.

Disclosing that nearly 4.5 lakh and 5-7 lakh people were enrolled in government and private jobs in Punjab, the minister said that agriculture, followed by poultry and dairy farming, provided an enormous scope for diversification in terms of farming and finances. He invited suggestions for expanding the agri-business of dairy farming which could help stabilise this subsidiary occupation and livelihood of the farmers as well.

Khuddian divulged the state government’s plan of opening big mandis, enabling entrepreneurs and farmers to open their shops, supply quality products to consumers and become owners of their shops.

Dr Satbir Singh Gosal, vice-chancellor, PAU, called for focusing on self-marketing and e-marketing for the long-term success of agro-processing and value addition. Referring to the success of Punjabi NRIs who were engaged in large-scale agri-businesses, the PAU VC lauded the School of Business Studies for entrepreneurship and product development programme; Skill Development Centre for expanding the entrepreneurial skills of the rural and urban communities; and Agro-processing unit at PAU for advocating value addition and setting up more than 350 agro-processing complexes in Punjab.

Dr JPS Gill, vice-chancellor, Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (GADVASU), stated that Punjab was producing 14.3 million tonnes of milk. The production was substantial, but called for diversification in view of 18 per cent and 82 per cent of milk being processed by public and private sectors, respectively. Since the taste buds were undergoing a drastic change, imparting training in making cheese was vital, he stressed. Besides, he suggested formation of self-help groups for the production of flavoured milk and curd, paneer, processed cheese, khoya etc. Elaborating further, the VC observed the rise of shrimp and fish farming in the state and urged for establishing processing units for the production of premium products.

Rakhee Gupta Bhandari, Principal Secretary, Food Processing, Punjab, hailed the organising of the conclave in the industrial hub of the state, Ludhiana. Advocating setting up of ‘Sunshine Industry’ in the state, Bhandari urged a paradigm shift from Green Revolution to food processing and value addition. She also reiterated the thrust on marketing for the growth and development of agri-based entrepreneurship. Hargunjit Kaur, Special Secretary, Food Processing, Punjab, invited pitching of new ideas concerning food processing and getting in touch with the state government for their implementation for giving a new direction to an agro-based Punjab.

Ludhiana