In a significant move to make quality food products accessible to its community, Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) in Ludhiana is set to launch a dedicated on-campus retail outlet within the next two to three months. The initiative aims to provide hygienic, nutritious, and locally processed food items at nominal prices to students, staff, and local residents.
Expanding Agro-Processing Initiatives
The new retail facility represents an expansion of PAU's existing agro-processing activities and will focus on offering affordable access to basic food staples. According to PAU vice-chancellor Satbir Singh Gosal, the primary goal is to make quality products available at reasonable rates, with particular benefit to the large student population residing in hostels.
"We want to set up an agri-mart where entrepreneurs who train at PAU can have a platform to showcase their products," Gosal stated, outlining the long-term vision for the project.
State-of-the-Art Processing Facilities
The outlet will source its products from the university's Agro Processing Complex, which was inaugurated earlier this year. This modern facility serves dual purposes of production and practical training for both students and farmers.
The complex is equipped with sophisticated machinery for processing various agricultural products:
- Grain processing equipment including wheat flour mill, mini rice mill, rice grader, pulse mill, and pulse cleaner-cum-grader
- Specialty units featuring hydraulic oil processor and jaggery manufacturing unit for sugarcane processing
- Advanced packaging systems with automatic packaging machine, vacuum packaging machine, and nitrogen flush packaging machine to ensure freshness and hygiene
Currently, the university has procured substantial raw materials for processing, including approximately 150 quintals of wheat and 150 quintals of rice, along with significant quantities of sugarcane and oilseeds.
Proven Retail Model and Location
The new sales point will operate from a renovated shop near the campus bank in the PAU market area. The retail model is inspired by the successful example set by nearby Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (GADVASU), which effectively sells its in-house dairy products through similar channels.
Beyond serving as a retail outlet, the entire setup will function as a demonstration model for farmers and new entrepreneurs, showcasing efficient agro-processing and retail management practices.
The initiative promises to bridge the gap between quality food production and affordable accessibility while supporting local entrepreneurship and providing practical learning opportunities within the agricultural education ecosystem.
