50 Ludhiana women attend training on value-addition in horticultural produce

At least 50 women from Kanech village were trained during a three-day programme on processing and value addition in horticulture produce for sustainability and better returns.

The training programme was organised by Indian Council of Agricultural Research-Central Institute of Post-Harvest Engineering and Technology (ICAR-CIPHET), in collaboration with Department of Extension Education, Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), under the Scheduled Caste Sub Plan (SCSP).

Organisers said the Department of Extension Education has been working with Kanech village cooperative society.

The training was aimed at enhancing farmers’ knowledge and skills in processing, preservation and value addition in horticultural produce. According to the organisers, it will help in improving income and promoting sustainable livelihoods. It featured a mix of theoretical sessions and hands-on practical demonstrations conducted by experts, they said.

The programme was coordinated by Dhritiman Saha, Yogesh Kalnar, Navnath, Sunita Thongam and Vishal from the ICAR-CIPHET, and Lopamudra Mohapatra, assistant professor, from the PAU.

In the first two days, sessions were conducted at the village level, where the farm women were urged to form self-help groups (SHGs) and were exposed to hands on experience of processing seasonal fruits and vegetables.

On the third day, the trainees went on an exposure visit to the ICAR-CIPHET.

During the valedictory session, Nachiket Kotwaliwale, an expert, highlighted the importance of adopting modern processing technologies to minimise post-harvest losses and enhance farmers’ income.

Vikas, another expert, encouraged the participants to explore entrepreneurship opportunities in value-added products for improved returns.

The programme concluded with the distribution of certificates and beneficiary items to all the participants.

Biz students apprised on internships

A team from Bayer India, a firm, visited the School of Business Studies (SBS) at the PAU to interact with final-year students of BSc agribusiness management programme regarding their upcoming industrial attachment programme.

During the visit, Pradeep and Paras, senior executives from Bayer India, delivered a presentation outlining the company's product portfolio and the structure of the two-month internship set to commence on April 1. The students were briefed on their roles, responsibilities and practical learning opportunities they will get during the internship. Ramandeep Singh, director, School of Business Studies, appreciated Bayer India for providing the valuable opportunity and encouraged the students to approach the programme with sincerity and responsibility. He described the internship as a golden opportunity for agribusiness management students to gain hands-on experience with a leading company in the field.

He said the students will work on practical agribusiness projects related to seeds and agrochemicals while engaging with various stakeholders, including wholesalers, retailers and progressive farmers, in Raikot, Pakhowal and Mullanpur Dakha blocks.

According to him, students will gain valuable exposure that will strengthen their skills and prepare them for placements through activities such as field demonstrations, practical training sessions and surveys.