ICAR-CIPHET Organises Three-Day Skill Development Programme on Enhancing Rural Livelihoods through Agro-Processing

Ludhiana, July 31, 2026: ICAR-CIPHET, Ludhiana successfully organised a three-day Skill Development Training Programme on "Enhancing Rural Livelihoods through Agro-Processing" from 29-31 July, under the Scheduled Caste Sub-Plan (SCSP). The programme was conducted for 50 Scheduled Caste participants from Burj Hakiman and Littar villages of Ludhiana district with the objective of promoting agro-processing-based entrepreneurship and sustainable livelihood opportunities in rural areas.
The inaugural session was graced by Dr Ranjeet Singh, Head, Transfer of Technology (ToT) Division, ICAR-CIPHET, as the Chief Guest. Addressing the participants, he highlighted the pivotal role of agro-processing and value addition in enhancing farmers' income, reducing post-harvest losses, and generating employment opportunities in rural areas. He encouraged the participants to adopt agro-processing technologies developed by ICAR-CIPHET and explore self-employment and entrepreneurship through value-added agricultural products.
During the three-day programme, participants received comprehensive theoretical and hands-on training on food processing, value addition, bakery products, hygienic food production practices, marketing, and establishment of micro-enterprises. They also visited the processing centre and pilot plants of ICAR-CIPHET to gain practical exposure to post-harvest and agro-processing technologies. The programme was coordinated by Dr Soumya Mohapatra, Dr Sujata Sethy, and Dr Vikas Kumar, Scientists, Transfer of Technology (ToT) Division, ICAR-CIPHET, Ludhiana.
The valedictory session concluded with the distribution of bakery beneficiary items to the participants to encourage adoption of the skills acquired during the training. Feedback was also collected from the participants, who appreciated the practical orientation and relevance of the programme and expressed their willingness to establish agro-processing-based livelihood enterprises in their villages. The programme reaffirmed ICAR-CIPHET's commitment to empowering rural communities through capacity building, technology dissemination, and promotion of agro-processing enterprises for sustainable livelihood development.