PAU conducts training on sugarcane processing, value addition in jaggery

Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) conducted a two-day training programme on sugarcane processing and value addition in jiggery products, said officials.

The training was conducted by National Initiative for Developing and Harnessing Innovations - Technology Business Incubators (NIDHI-TBI).

According to the officials, the programme saw enthusiastic participation from PAU-backed startups interested in exploring opportunities in sugarcane and jaggery products.

The training module was structured to familiarise participants with the production chain, starting from raw material selection and juice extraction, and covering clarification, concentration, moulding and preparation of diversified products.

The training placed special emphasis on hygienic production practices, product standardisation, quality assurance, packaging and storage to ensure the development of market-ready products with long shelf life.

The technical sessions were conducted under the guidance of Baljit Singh, head, Department of Food Science and Technology.

The experts guided participants on important aspects, such as maintaining product quality, improving texture and taste, managing moisture levels, and following food safety practices essential for commercial production, through demonstrations and technical explanations.

An additional technical module was delivered by Tarsem Mittal, Head, Processing and Food Engineering (PFE), and his team. The session focussed on modern packaging solutions for jaggery and jaggery-based products. The experts explained appropriate packaging materials, sealing technologies, labelling standards and strategies to enhance shelf life while preserving quality.

To further strengthen practical understanding, the trainees visited the PAU’s Agro-Processing Centre, where they saw the operational aspects of jaggery processing and related technologies in a real-time production setting.

Sachdev, co-principal investigator, NIDHI-TBI, encouraged the trainees to focus on innovation in product forms, attractive packaging and brand development to capture niche markets. She stressed the importance of maintaining quality standards and regulatory compliance to build consumer confidence and ensure long-term business sustainability.

Participants also engaged in interactive sessions on cost management, licensing procedures and identifying suitable marketing channels for their products.