The Punjab Agri Business Incubator (PABI), under the aegis of Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), Ludhiana, conducted a highly engaging and informative Zoom workshop on the 20th of December 2024. The workshop, titled “FSSAI Norms & Applications for Startups”, aimed at educating aspiring entrepreneurs about food safety standards and compliance requirements critical for their ventures. The session was led by the Hon’ble Speaker, Mr. Lovepreet Singh, Food Safety Officer from the Food and Drugs Administration, SAS Nagar, Punjab.

The workshop was a resounding success, with active participation from agribusiness startups and other stakeholders. Attendees gained comprehensive insights into the licensing processes, the applicability of FSSAI norms across various business categories, and strategies to overcome compliance challenges. A significant highlight of the session was the interactive Q&A segment, which allowed participants to address their specific concerns regarding FSSAI requirements.

Key Objectives of the Workshop:

1. Providing a detailed overview of FSSAI norms and standards.
2. Guiding startups through the application and licensing process.
3. Addressing challenges faced by food businesses in ensuring compliance.

Dr. M.S. Bhullar, Director Extension Education, emphasized, “The workshop reflects our commitment to fostering a robust agribusiness ecosystem. Initiatives like these empower startups to operate with confidence and professionalism.”

Dr. T.S. Riar, Principal Investigator at PABI, remarked, “Ensuring compliance with FSSAI norms is not just about adhering to regulations; it’s about building trust with consumers. PABI is proud to facilitate this knowledge transfer to our startups.”

Dr. Poonam Sachdev, Co-PI at PABI, shared her views: “Understanding food safety regulations is crucial for agribusiness startups. This workshop equips them with the tools needed to streamline their operations while meeting industry standards.”

The event showcased PABI’s dedication to nurturing agripreneurs by organizing resourceful events and offering continuous support. With this workshop, PABI has reaffirmed its role as a vital enabler in the agricultural innovation ecosystem.