A training programme on “Role of Horticultural Value Addition in Rural Economic Development” held at PAMETI, PAU Ludhiana” was organized at PAMETI, PAU Campus, Ludhiana, on 12th March, 2026 with participation of around 33 farmers/entrepreneurs from different districts of Punjab. The programme commenced with a welcome address by Dr. Ravneet Singh, Deputy Director (PHT), PAMETI, who highlighted the objective of the training is to enhance the income of farmers by processing and improving the market value of fruits, vegetables, flowers, and other horticultural products. It helps reduce post-harvest losses and increases the shelf life of perishable produce.
The training was formally inaugurated by Dr. K. B. Singh, Director, PAMETI, who emphasized that Value addition also creates employment opportunities in rural areas through processing, packaging, and marketing activities. Furthermore, it promotes rural entrepreneurship and strengthens the overall rural economy by linking farmers with better markets and higher profits.
Technical lectures were delivered by the experts from the department of food science and technology, Food Science and Technology,MMICT &BM (HM), Mullana, Ambala, Haryana. Dr. Shiv Kumar, Associate Professor delivered a session on Introduction to Value Addition in Horticulture & various Techniques of Value Addition in Fruits and Vegetables. Dr. Akash Kumar, Assistanr Professor explained about Post-Harvest Management in Horticultural Produce&Post-Harvest Management in Horticultural Produce.
This training programme was having more practical sessions so that the participants can better understand the whole concept. in this context Dr. Rohit Sharma, PFE, PAU gave Demonstration on the Visit to Agro-processing Center, PAU.
For the better understanding a hands-on session was also conducted at the Small Scale Processing and Packaging Unit, PAMETI, where Dr. Ravneet Singh demonstrated the equipment’s such as garlic peeler, shrink wrapping machine, vacuum packaging machine, form-fill packaging machine, cup sealer, pulveriser, and cold store.
The participants actively interacted with experts and expressed satisfaction with the programme, recommending more such practical and skill-oriented trainings in future to enhance livelihood security and strengthen the farming community in Punjab.