In order to ignite women-led agri-enterprises and transform traditional farming into business success, an initiative of “Business Biba’z” was launched by Smt. Rakhee Gupta Bhandari, Principal Secretary, Food Processing, Punjab at PAMETI, PAU Campus, Ludhiana on the occasion of “Rashtriya Mahila Kisan Diwas” today.

While applauding the untiring efforts of women farmers, Self-Help Groups (SHGs), and rural entrepreneurs present in the event, Smt. Bhandari said that they are  “Leaders of Change” in Punjab’s evolving agri-based economy. She emphasized that Punjab is witnessing a shift from traditional agriculture base to a “Sunshine Industry” driven by food processing, agri-innovation, and women entrepreneurship. “The women in Punjab are not just cultivating crops — they are cultivating ideas, confidence, creativity, and commerce”, she said.

Business BIBA’z is the concept where women farmers will be trained and encouraged to start their own ventures and market their value-added products. TheBusiness BIBA’z is all about supporting women entrepreneurship by converting women’s indigenous agricultural knowledge into new knowledge, blended with latest scientific innovations and strengthening traditional wisdom with modern entrepreneurial practices.

While citing the example of a popular Punjabi boli “Tainu “Moge di Mandi” vichaawanvechmundyan’ the chief guest also encouraged the idea of strengthening local mandis at district level to develop as specialized zonal markets for value-added products, creating unique regional identities for processed foods, handicrafts, and local produce like ‘Chibbar di chutney’. She highlighted the need to provide government support from different institutions synergically so that the women can be benefited.

The Exhibition-cum-Sale of products made by Women Self-Help Groups was the center attraction of the event highlighting the “Spirit of She-preneurship.” There were 30 stalls in the exhibition that displayed a diverse range of agri-based and processed products — including pickles, honey, bakery items, chocolates, spices, herbal teas, millet snacks, and organic foods, organic soaps, etc. Smt. Bhandari appreciated the stalls which reflected innovation, quality, and entrepreneurial spirit among rural women.

She also appreciated PAMETI’s efforts in capacity building, skill enhancement, and establishing market linkage for women, noting that such initiatives are crucial for sustainable livelihoods and self-reliance.

On this occasion, a book titled, “She-preneurship: Crafting Ideas into Impact”, was also released along with a brochure of standard operating procedure (SOPs) for Business BIBAz.

Dr J P S Gill, Honorable Vice Chancellor, GADVASU, Ludhiana was the Guest of Honour on the occassion. During his address, he mentioned the business opportunities available for women entrepreneurs in dairy and other livestock sector. He motivated the women audience to start their own ventures after getting the technological guidance and financial support from the university.

Dr M S Bhullar, Director of Extension Education, PAU Ludhiana highlighted various extension activities done by KVKs and Skill Development Centre of PAU, Ludhiana for encouraging women entrepreneurship in Punjab.  He was speaking as ‘Special Guest’ during the event.

Earlier, Dr Kiran Bains, Dean, College of Community Science, PAU, Ludhiana gave the keynote address on ‘Role of women SHGs in food processing’.  She guided the members of SHGs present in the event about the key factors contributing to the success of the SHGs. She emphasized that SHGs should prepare the food products keeping the dietary requirement and taste preferences of the consumers so that more market can be captured. She also expressed the need to use e-commerce platform to reach wider markets. 

Dr. K. B. Singh, Director, PAMETI, expressed gratitude to the Chief Guest and other dignitaties present in the event and reiterated PAMETI’s mission to create a strong ecosystem for women farmers and entrepreneurs.

The event concluded with the distribution of appreciation trophies to outstanding women participants for their exemplary work in agriculture and food processing. The celebration reaffirmed Punjab’s vision to make women the “backbone of an inclusive and sustainable agri-business.”