Five-day vocational training program teaches tips on preparing traditional sweets and savoury dishes
Ropar, October 14: In view of the increasing demand for traditional sweets and home-made dishes during festivals, Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) Ropar imparted practical training to 20 rural girls in preparing sweets and savoury dishes. The initiative aimed to convert the culinary skills of rural girls into a source of income and also encourage them to set up self-employment and small businesses.
A five-day vocational training program on the topic “Preparing Sweets for the Festive Season” was organized at KVK Ropar in collaboration with Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) Ludhiana and ICAR-Agricultural Technology Application Research Institute (Attari), Zone-1, Ludhiana.
This training program was conducted under the guidance of Associate Director (Training) KVK Ropar Dr. Satbir Singh. He motivated the trainees to set up their own small enterprises using the skills acquired during the training. He said that value addition process of agricultural and food products can play a vital role in increasing the income of rural families and uplifting the standard of living.
He informed about the increasing market demand for festive dishes and encouraged girls to start small scale businesses through Self Help Groups (SHGs). He said that such initiatives can prove helpful in making rural women self-reliant, promoting entrepreneurship and contributing extra to the family income.
During the training program, Demonstrator (Home Science) Manpreet Kaur gave practical training to the trainees on preparing various traditional sweets and savoury dishes. During this, they were taught how to make Dhoda Barfi, Bhutkander De Laddu, Khoya De Laddu, Bundi De Laddu, Balushahi, Jaggery Wali Matthi, Mathri, Kaju Qatli and Besan Di Barfi.
The main objective of this training was to provide girls with information about the preparation of sweets and dishes that are most popular during festivals, as well as to familiarize them with their production at the home level and their commercial potential.
The trainees participated with full enthusiasm and interest during the program. They expressed their desire to use the skills learned during the training to prepare sweets and dishes during the festive season and increase their family income by starting small-scale production.
This initiative reflects KVK Ropar’s commitment to providing skill development, value addition of food products and sustainable livelihood opportunities to rural women.
