PAU centre empowering farmers to become entrepreneurs

In Punjab, where agriculture has long been a way of life, a new wave of farmer-cum-entrepreneur is emerging, turning their hard-earned skills into thriving businesses.

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With guidance from Punjab Agricultural University’s (PAU) Skill Development Centre, farmers are stepping beyond traditional cultivation and exploring agri-business opportunities, from organic produce to value-added food products.

PAU’s expert support in marketing, packaging and branding is helping these individuals’ transition from growers to business owners, ensuring their products reach more markets while maintaining quality and sustainability.

Three farmers Gurinder Kaur, Sunita and Kuldeep Singh are transforming their agricultural expertise into thriving businesses with the support of PAU’s Skill Development Centre. Their journey highlights the growing impact of skill-based training in helping farmers’ transition into entrepreneurs.

Gurinder and Sunita, mother and daughter, respectively, from Patiala, specialise in healthy homemade bakery products. Trained at PAU, they have developed a range of biscuits made from wheat, barley flour, besan, oats, khapli, kodra and ragi papad, using jaggery as a natural sweetener instead of refined sugar. Their focus is on nutrition and quality, ensuring that their products offer a wholesome alternative to conventional snacks.

“We wanted to create something that is both delicious and healthy,” said Gurinder. “PAU’s training helped us refine our recipes and understand the importance of packaging and branding.”

Kuldeep Singh, a progressive farmer from Naraingarh, Fatehgarh Sahib, has been practising organic farming for five years. His goal is to provide consumers with high-quality organic wheat, rice and jaggery, with his organic certification currently in process. He believes that sustainable agriculture can be both profitable and environmentally responsible.

“Organic farming is my passion, but turning it into a business was a challenge. PAU’s guidance has given me the confidence to market my products effectively,” said Kuldeep Singh.

Vice-Chancellor SS Gosal while emphasising the importance of skill development stated, that “In today’s competitive world, equipping farmers with industry-relevant skills is essential. Our Skill Development Centre not only enhances employability, but also contribute to the socio-economic development of the region,” he said.

During their recent visit to PAU, these entrepreneurs received marketing insights from Ramandeep Singh, Director of School of Business Studies, PAU, and Principal Investigator of NIDHI-TBI. They were also guided on effective branding, food safety norms and best agricultural practices.