School of Business Studies, PAU launches Digital Agribusiness Lab to empower rural entrepreneurs
Babushahi Bureau
Ludhiana (Punjab), August 13, 2025: The School of Business Studies at Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), Ludhiana, marked a significant milestone in its journey toward innovation and rural empowerment with the launch of the Digital Agribusiness Lab on 6th August 2025.
The formal release ceremony was held in the esteemed office of the Worthy Vice Chancellor, Dr. Satbir Singh Gosal, who commended the department’s progressive step towards enhancing the outreach and impact of agribusiness initiatives.
The Agribusiness Lab, an integral part of SBS, has been instrumental in supporting budding agripreneurs by providing expert consultancy in product development, branding, labeling, packaging and marketing.
The physical lab showcases a wide array of value-added agricultural products, serving as a live display platform for entrepreneurs to gain insights into consumer preferences and market trends. Recognizing the growing need for digital access and visibility, the transition of the lab into a digital format is a forward-looking initiative.
It aims to reach a broader audience - particularly aspiring rural entrepreneurs and farmers - who may not have had the opportunity to access such resources physically. This digital platform will act as a virtual hub for learning, product display, mentorship and networking, thereby promoting inclusivity in the agri-enterprise ecosystem.
Dr. Ramandeep Singh, Director, SBS and a pioneer in agribusiness development for over three decades, envisioned this transformation as a step toward aligning with the changing dynamics of agribusiness.The digital lab will bridge the gap between academic innovation and grassroots agripreneurship.
Dr. Navneet Kaur Gill, Teaching Assistant at SBS and the driving force behind the digitalization initiative, emphasized the importance of such a platform for rural communities.
Coming from a rural background herself, she noted how farmers hesitate to explore agribusiness initiatives due to lack of exposure and confidence.
With increasing smart phone penetration and social media use among the rural populations, this digital platform will help farmers visualize and shape their business ideas into sustainable enterprises.
Esteemed faculty members of SBS including Dr. Sandeep Kapur, Dr. Mohit Gupta, and Dr. Rakesh Rathore also applauded the initiative, highlighting its potential to foster self-employment, rural development and sustainable growth in Punjab’s agri-sector.