A training program on Low Cost Preservation Units was conducted at State Horticulture Nursery, Dimapur, on February 28 under Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH). The program dwelt on ways of preserving fruits and vegetables so that they are not lost or wasted due to spoiling.
Deputy director of Horticulture, Meyasashi, in his keynote address stressed on why preservation of fruit was a necessity and essential for all farmers.
He stated that many times, farmers are unable to sell off their goods in the market, which may lead to wastage of organic fruits and vegetables.
He later demonstrated how unsold or unshipped goods could be saved using preservatives. Here, he also stated that through preservation, farmers could make additional income by selling off the preserved and finished product.
Meyasashi also stated that the department aims to open up Common Collection Centres and Standardized Packaging Units in every district, where farmers can get easy access to labels, packages and markets for their finished products with the help of the department.
He also brought up the issue of state farmers not being able to export their products outside the local market because they are not registered.
He encouraged farmers to register themselves with MSMEs (Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises), which will allow them to be recognized by the FSSAI (Food Safety and Standard Authority of India). Consequently, they may export their products globally.
The program was chaired by DHO, Dimapur, Temsu Longkumer and earlier, a welcome address was given by joint director of Horticulture, Imrongtemsu.
The demonstration and technical session was conducted by Meyasashi, and a vote of thanks was delivered by AHO, Alemtemsu.
Altogether, 32 beneficiaries from Longleng, Peren, Mon and Dimapur districts attended the training.
The department also distributed Low Cost Preservation equipment to the beneficiaries.