A training programme on “Value Addition in Milk” was successfully organized at the Punjab Agricultural Management & Extension Training Institute (PAMETI) under the BUSINESS BIBAZ’ RKVY project. The programme was exclusively designed for women participants seeking to enhance their knowledge and skills in processing and marketing of milk and milk products, with a focus on skill-based training in agriculture and allied sectors to support entrepreneurial initiatives. A total of 17 dairy farm women from different parts of the state participated in the programme.

            At the outset, Ms. Bharti Madan, Deputy Director, PAMETI, explained the objectives of the training and encouraged the participants to actively engage in the sessions and raise queries. The introductory session was conducted by Dr. Inderpreet Kaur, Head, Department of Dairy Economics & Business Management, GADVASU, who advised the participants not to venture into value addition without assessing the feasibility of milk processing based on their daily milk production and available market opportunities. She guided the trainees on suitable business models aligned with different levels of milk yield.

            During the programme, scientists from the College of Dairy and Food Science Technology, GADVASU conducted practical demonstrations on the preparation of dairy products such as ghee, paneer, barfi, and mozzarella cheese, providing hands-on experience to the trainees. Emphasis was laid on milk quality testing and standardization prior to product preparation. Participants were also educated on clean milk production practices, required machinery and equipment for micro-enterprises, as well as packaging, storage, and shelf-life enhancement of milk products.

            Sh. Surinder Singh, Deputy Director, Ludhiana, Department of Dairy Development, Punjab, discussed various training programmes and financial assistance schemes offered by the state and central governments for dairy farming and milk processing enterprises, particularly for women.

            Concluding the programme, Dr. K. B. Singh, Director, PAMETI, highlighted the role of such training initiatives in strengthening the dairy sector and promoting women entrepreneurship. The participants actively interacted with experts and expressed satisfaction with the practical, business-oriented, and market-focused approach of the training.