Punjab Agricultural Management & Extension Training Institute (PAMETI) successfully organized an entrepreneurship promotion event on March 16, 2026 in collaboration with AICRP WIA Project of PAU, aimed at encouraging rural entrepreneurship and value-added agri-business initiatives.
The event was graced by the Dr Neeru Katyal Gupta, IAS Commissioner, MC Ludhiana who in her address appreciated the efforts of PAMETI & AICRP in empowering rural youth and women through entrepreneurship development programs. She emphasized that initiatives like Business BIBAZ’, a brainchild of Smt Rakhee Gupta Bhandhari, IAS Principal Secretary, Food Processing Punjab, play a crucial role in transforming agriculture from traditional farming to value-added agri-enterprises and also encouraged participants to adopt innovative ideas, utilize government support schemes, and explore market opportunities for sustainable livelihoods.
Dr. K. B. Singh, Director, PAMETI, highlighted the institute’s continuous commitment to building entrepreneurial capacity among farmers, rural youth, and women. Dr Meera D Ansal, Dean College of Fisheries emphasized that promoting skill development, value addition, and agri-based enterprises through structured training and incubation support is the need of the hour. Dr Deepika Vig, Coordinator of Research, College of community Science, PAU emphasized that the BIBAZ project provides an excellent platform for first-time entrepreneurs to showcase their products and gain market exposure.
Dr. Ritu Mittal, Head of the ATS, College of Community Science and Coordinator of AICRP WIA, shared insights into the objectives of AICRP WIA and its role in nurturing small entrepreneurs by providing training, mentorship, and marketing platforms. She noted that the initiative particularly focuses on encouraging women entrepreneurs and supporting innovative agri-business ideas.
Dr. Harmeet, Principal Investigator of the Business BIBAZ’ Project, elaborated on the project activities and highlighted how the incubation platform is helping entrepreneurs develop products, improve packaging, and access markets.
The event also featured 21 stalls by first-time entrepreneurs, who showcased a variety of products including handmade candles, resin art, soaps, traditional food items, beverages, and other value-added products. The initiative provided participants with an opportunity to interact with visitors, receive feedback, and promote their businesses.
The program concluded with an encouraging response from participants and visitors, reflecting PAMETI’s continued efforts to promote entrepreneurship, innovation, and women empowerment in the agriculture and rural sector.