Making strenuous efforts to empower rural population agriculturally, socially and economically, a five-day training course on the “Making of Cakes, Biscuits and Sweets” was conducted by the Skill Development Centre of the Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) for the farmers as well as the young and old women. Organised under the stewardship of Dr MS Bhullar, Director of Extension Education, the course saw the active participation of 72 farmers and rural women.

Dr GPS Sodhi, Additional Director of Extension Education, observed that the skill development trainings aimed at polishing the skills and knowledge of the trainees, empowering them to become self-reliant by launching their own businesses. Gaining the first-hand knowledge and learning the minute intricacies of the bakery and confectionery could open up diverse avenues for the new entrepreneurs, he added.

Dr (Mrs) Rupinder Kaur, Associate Director (Skill Development), stated that the taste and trend for the bakery-based products were on the rise and PAU was adhering to its growing demand through skill expansion of the rural community.

Dr Jaswinder Kaur, Mrs Kuldeep Kaur, Dr Poonam Bakhetia, Dr Shikha Mahajan, Dr Amarjit Kaur, Dr Jaspreet Kaur, and Mr Arshdeep Singh explained the dos and don’ts of bakery; making of coconut castles, eggless cake, sponge cake, caramel cake; Italian bread; dough nuts; atta biscuits and baking of cookies; nuts and chocolate making from milk, etc.

Two PAU trained successful entrepreneurs Mrs Ravinder Kaur and Mrs Kuldeep Kaur demonstrated the preparation of icing for garnishing of cake.

A business executive of Punjab Business Agri Incubator (PABI), Mr Karanbir Singh shared the details of the financial assistance and trainings, being imparted by the PAU under PABI for the economic empowerment of the youths.

Mrs Kanwaljit Kaur proposed a vote of thanks, while Dr Prerna Kapila coordinated the course.