PAMETI Holds Training Course On Agri-Business Management

Ludhiana, June 29, 2015; A five-day training programme on “Agri-Business Management” was organized at the Punjab Agricultural Management and Extension Training Institute (PAMETI), Punjab Agricultural University (PAU). As many as 30 participants from the state department of agriculture and allied departments participated in the training programme.

Dr H. S. Dhaliwal, Director, PAMETI said, “An entrepreneurial activity plays a major role in the socio-economic development of the country.” “The emergence of entrepreneurs in agriculture and allied activities can propel the rural population into self sustaining individuals, who in turn can catalyze the development of economy,” he observed. Dr Dhaliwal made the participants aware of the new emerging marketing formats like road side display, where they can eliminate the role of middleman and earn more profits through self-marketing.

The participants were apprised of the potential of the agri-business in the state. A progressive farmer from Patiala, Mr Gurpreet Shergill, who has ventured into the cultivation, processing and seed production of flowers; and production of vermi-compost, shared how he diversified from traditional wheat-paddy cultivation to modern integrated farming system. Mr Shergill is growing rose, gladiolus and marigold flowers in his fields.

Mr Avtar .S. Dhindsa, President of APSA (Asian Pacific seed Association) and a well-known name in agri-exports, also interacted with the participants. He discussed the procedure of exporting agro-products and the challenges faced in this area. Innovative concepts like agri-tourism and medicinal gardens were also discussed during the programme. Besides, the experts from MSME (Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises) deliberated on the prospects of food processing.