Millet based products opening new vistas for entrepreneurs in Punjab

AMRITSAR: Driven by growing consumer acceptance and the introduction of consumer products, millets, once a staple in traditional diets, are rapidly making a comeback in Punjab.
The introduction of innovative millet-based tastier products has not only boosted their popularity but also opened up new entrepreneurial avenues, particularly empowering women to build businesses and contribute to the local economy.
Dr Maria Afzal, adjunct faculty at the School of Business at Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), informed that due to the health benefits of millets and their growing popularity in Punjab, many entrepreneurs—especially women—are starting businesses focused on processing millet-based products such as flour, snacks, and ready-to-cook items.
“This trend not only supports healthier diets but also helps to improve the economic status of people in the region,” said Maria.
She gave the example of Neelam Singla, 46, founder of Healthy Souls, and how she transitioned from being a homemaker with a passion for cooking to becoming an entrepreneur.
"Driven by her love for healthy food, she began selling millet-based products and is now a successful woman entrepreneur,” she said.
Notably, millet flour is increasingly being used to make snacks like biscuits, namkeens, energy bars, and even chips. These products are becoming popular due to their high nutritional value and appeal to health-conscious consumers.
While informing about the immense benefits of millet-based products and their acceptance among people, Dr Ramandeep Singh, Director, School of Business, PAU, said Neelam experimented in her kitchen to develop products that were not only healthy but also eco-friendly.
By using her kitchen as a launching pad, she transformed her culinary passion into an entrepreneurial venture. With the support of PAU, her innovative approach and culinary talent eventually led her to become a successful businesswoman.
To promote the use of millets in food products and encourage value addition, the Centre govt has also launched the Production Linked Incentive Scheme for Millet-based Products (PLISMBP).
Maria said that millets have enormous potential to improve the health of people and contribute to the economic empowerment of women, particularly in rural Punjab.