Farmers told to focus on value-added products
The NIDHI-Technology Business Incubator (NIDHI-TBI) hosted a “Boot camp” during the recently held Kisan Mela at Punjab Agricultural University (PAU).
The event provided a platform to aspiring entrepreneurs and agri-based innovators to present their value-added products derived from fruits, vegetables, cereals and pulses.
The camp featured an impressive range of innovative products, including floral fragrances, packaged juices, pickles, beer honey products and vegetable powder. These creations underscored the participants’ commitment to sustainability, product diversification, and value addition in the agricultural sector. The event not only facilitated product demonstrations but also provided a valuable learning experience, helping incubates refine their marketing strategies and sales techniques.
Dr Ramandeep Singh, principal investigator of the NIDHI-TBI, and director, School of Business Studies, PAU, along with Dr Poonam A Sachdev, co-principal investigator of the NIDHI-TBI and principal food technologist, Food Science and Technology, PAU, mentored the Boot Camp that proved to be a crucial step in fostering agri-based entrepreneurship.
Their mentorship equipped participants with necessary knowledge and skills to succeed in competitive markets.
A notable moment of the event was the recognition of an incubatee, Amninder Singh Kaler, founder of Farm 77, who was honoured with the “Chief Minister Award” for his outstanding dedication and work under the NIDHI-TBI initiative.
This event not only encouraged farmers and entrepreneurs to explore new business opportunities but also emphasised the significance of value addition in agricultural products. It successfully nurtured an entrepreneurial mind-set among attendees, motivating them to explore innovative approaches in agri-business.
By bridging research, innovation and commercial viability, the Boot camp played a key role in promoting entrepreneurship in the agricultural sector. The team under the mentorship of PI and Co-PI, Gurinder Singh, CEO; Sameer Gautam, BM; Ms. Pallavi Kalyan, A&EO; Akashdeep Singh, TA; reaffirmed NIDHI-TBI’s commitment to supporting start-ups and fostering innovation-driven growth in agri-based industries by responding to enquiries of the farmers and spreading the objective and mission of the project.
