Women Entrepreneurs Paving The Way For Sustainable Agriculture

The Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Govt. of India, and the National Institute of Agricultural Extension Management (MANAGE), Hyderabad, jointly organized a one-day event, called the 'Awareness on Agripreneurship cum Exhibition for Farm Women' in collaboration with PAMETI, Ludhiana, and the Department of Agriculture Farmers Welfare, Punjab, at PAMETI, Ludhiana, PAU Campus. 

The main objective of the event was to create awareness among farm women and women entrepreneurs about the various entrepreneurial opportunities available in Agriculture & Allied Sectors and to encourage the use of digital media for upscaling and promoting their enterprise. Over 350 farm women and women agripreneurs from all 23 districts of Punjab actively participated in the event.

An exhibition featuring products from approximately 20 women agripreneurs from various districts in Punjab was recently held. The event commenced with the inauguration of the exhibition, where the women entrepreneurs displayed an impressive variety of products, such as pickles, masalas, honey, handmade jewelry and Kantha dresses, crochet bags, muffins, cakes, printed suits, candies, amla products, painted suits, Phulkari dupatta, jam, squash, murabba, chutneys, soap, candles, hair oil, millet cookies, and other millet products, moringa powder, cocopeat, vermicompost, planters, nursery products, jute bags, and more. 

During the interaction, the exhibitors were provided with information on how to utilize digital media platforms and the support of the government at the Centre and State to upscale and promote their enterprise. 

Ms. Bharti Madan, Deputy Director, PAMETI, Ludhiana gave an overview of the program. Dr. Veenita Kumari, Deputy Director (Gender Studies), MANAGE, Hyderabad delivered the Welcome Address. 

During his address as the Chief Guest of the event, Shri S R Ingle, Joint Director (Extension) at the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Govt. of India, emphasized the importance of both side and main events at the G20 and provided an overview of the G20 events organized by his ministry. He also highlighted the fact that only 14% of entrepreneurship in India is currently represented by women. 

Moreover, he discussed how the Agri Infrastructure Fund (AIF) scheme offered by the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare can benefit women entrepreneurs in establishing and scaling up their primary and secondary processing units. He further emphasized the significance of forming Farmers' Producer Organizations (FPOs) for improving their businesses.

Shri Davinder Singh, Cluster Head of Ludhiana, discussed the initiatives undertaken by NABARD to promote women entrepreneurship. Dr. Ramandeep Singh, the Head and Professor of the School of Business Studies, provided insights into effective marketing strategies for women entrepreneurs. Dr. Veenita Kumari, the Deputy Director of Gender Studies at MANAGE in Hyderabad, raised awareness among participants on digital marketing for branding and promoting their enterprise. Additionally, she also briefed them on the agripreneurship program for women.

Dr. MIS Gill, Director, PAMETI, Ludhiana on the occasion addressed the participants and said that women empowerment is crucial for enhancing the decision-making capability of women. He also appreciated the products displayed by the women entrepreneurs in the exhibition and suggested that the packaging and labeling of their products should be world-class for a better price.

Dr. R K Dhaliwal, Dean, College of Agriculture, in her address mentioned that farm women and women agripreneurs should enhance their decision-making ability through self-empowerment with money, education, and skill. She further said that they must use their experiences and upscale their entrepreneurial skills.

Distinguished subject experts delivered talk on the occasion to create awareness among farm women & women entrepreneurs. Dr. Poonam Sachdev, Head, Deptt. of Food Science & Technology, PAU discussed how women can promote their enterprise in Food Sector.

A few progressive women entrepreneurs – Mrs. Gurdev Kaur Deol from Global SHG, Mrs. Pooja Rikhi from Kneatknit, and Ms. Sukhwinder Kaur from Jeet SHG shared their experience on the entrepreneurial journey and also motivated other women participants on the use of digital and social media for growing their enterprise.

Balwinder Singh, Deputy Director, Agriculture Extension, PAMETI delivered the vote of thanks.

-PIB 

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