In a significant move to strengthen rural livelihoods and promote women’s empowerment, Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), in collaboration with ICAR-Central Institute for Women in Agriculture (ICAR-CIWA), Bhubaneswar, has inaugurated five Custom Hiring Centres (CHCs) across Punjab.
Established under the All India Coordinated Research Project on Women in Agriculture (AICRP-WIA), the centres are located in Boparai Kalan, Akalgarh, Halwara, Purain, and Kullewal.
Equipped with modern agricultural machinery such as flour mills, mini dal mills, solar dryers, self-propelled paddy weeders, automatic maize shellers, polythene sealing machines, motor-operated water pumps, and sewing machines, these centres aim to provide rural women access to advanced tools and enhance livelihood opportunities.
The inauguration was led by Dr. Mridula Devi, Director of ICAR-CIWA, who emphasized the role of CHCs in developing technical skills and promoting self-reliance among women. A Memorandum of Agreement was also signed between ICAR-CIWA, PAU’s AICRP-WIA Centre, and five Aajivika Self-Help Groups to ensure the proper management and use of the equipment.
PAU Vice Chancellor Dr. Satbir Singh Gosal appreciated the initiative, saying it reflects the university’s commitment to connecting scientific research with grassroots solutions. Dr. Ajmer Singh Dhatt, Director of Research at PAU, lauded the project’s contribution to rural development, while Dr. Deepika Vig, Coordinator of Research at the College of Community Science, highlighted its impact on women’s empowerment and community cohesion.
The project was made possible through the collective efforts of Dr. Ritu Mittal, Dr. Renuka Aggarwal, Dr. Shivani Rana, Dr. Prerna Kapila, and Dr. Prachi Bisht. Local sarpanches, panchayat members, and farm women expressed gratitude to PAU for selecting their villages, acknowledging the positive impact the CHCs are expected to have on livelihoods and skill development.
