The NIDHI–Technology Business Incubator (NIDHI-TBI) successfully concluded an engaging and impactful boot camp in collaboration with PAU Kisan Club and Skill Development Centre, PAU at Kairon Kisan Ghar, Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), providing a vibrant platform for budding entrepreneurs and agri-based innovators to showcase value-added products derived from fruits, vegetables, cereals and pulses.
The boot camp featured an impressive display of innovative offerings, including healthy ready-to-eat foods, packaged fruit and vegetable juices, jams, pickles, bakery items and vegetable powders. These products reflected the incubatees’ strong focus on sustainability, value addition, and diversification in agriculture. Beyond product exhibition, the event served as a learning hub where participants gained practical insights into marketing strategies, consumer engagement, pricing and sales techniques, helping them strengthen their market readiness.
The programme was conducted under the able mentorship of Dr. Ramandeep Singh, Principal Investigator, NIDHI-TBI (DST, GoI) and Director, School of Business Studies (SBS), PAU, and Dr. Poonam A. Sachdev, Co-Principal Investigator, NIDHI-TBI and Principal Food Technologist, Department of Food Science and Technology (FST), PAU. Their expert guidance played a crucial role in equipping entrepreneurs with the technical and managerial competencies required to succeed in competitive agri-food markets.
NIDHI-TBI incubatees — Mr. Balwinder Singh (Bee Group of Honey), Ms. Gurinder Kaur (Motherly Treat), Mr. Gaurav Gupta (Arooj), Ms. Ravinder Kaur (Rabaco), Ms. Harpreet Kaur (Kam Bakers), Mr. Jagroop Singh (The Country Man), and Mr. Kamaljeet Singh (Harjeeyo International) – collectively showcased over 100 innovative products under the NIDHI-TBI banner. The extensive display inspired farmers and aspiring entrepreneurs to explore new business avenues and underscored the immense potential of value addition in agricultural produce.
The event witnessed an enthusiastic turnout of over 250 visitors. Eminent dignitaries who visited the stalls included Dr. Satbir Singh Gosal, Worthy Vice Chancellor, PAU; Mr. Kulwant Singh Dhaliwal, Chairman World Cancer Care; Dr. Tarsem Singh Dhillon, Additional Director of Extension Education; Dr. G.P.S. Sodhi, Additional Director of Extension Education; Dr. T.S. Riar, Additional Director Communication; Dr. Rupinder Toor, Associate Director (Skill Development); and Mr. Manpreet Singh Grewal, President, PAU Kisan Club, along with other faculty and staff members.
By effectively bridging research, innovation, and commercial viability, the boot camp marked a significant milestone in promoting agri-based entrepreneurship. It reaffirmed NIDHI-TBI’s pivotal role in nurturing start-ups, strengthening rural enterprises, and fostering innovation-driven growth. Such initiatives continue to inspire farmers and entrepreneurs to embrace value-added agriculture, contributing to a more resilient and sustainable rural economy.
ਪੰਜਾਬ ਖੇਤੀਬਾੜੀ ਯੂਨੀਵਰਸਿਟੀ
PUNJAB AGRICULTURAL UNIVERSITY