Correspondent
WOKHA, May 15 (NPN) : ICAR-Krishi Vigyan Kendra conducted two five-day skill training programmes under the Tribal Sub Plan (TSP) initiative aimed at promoting food processing, entrepreneurship and livelihood enhancement among Self-Help Groups (SHGs), Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs), farmers and rural youth in Wokha district.
The first training programme on “Processing of Locally Grown Crops for Nutritional Security and Livelihood Enhancement” was conducted from April 27 to May 1, while the second programme on “Empowering FPOs, Farmers and Agripreneurs for Transforming Raw Produce into Value Added Market Products” was held from May 11 to 15.
The programmes were conducted under the guidance of Senior Scientist and Head, ICAR-KVK Wokha, Dr. Sandeep Deshmukh, along with SMS (Home Science), Deepa Sing and Programme Assistant/Senior Technical Officer (Food Technology), Thungchano S. Ezung.
Addressing the participants, Senior Scientist and Head, ICAR-KVK Wokha, Dr. Sandeep Deshmukh stressed the importance of value addition to locally available crops and highlighted the role of small-scale food processing units in improving rural livelihoods and income generation.
Technical sessions were conducted by Programme Assistant/Senior Technical Officer (Food Technology), ICAR-KVK Wokha,Thungchano S. Ezung, who demonstrated food processing techniques and introduced participants to low-cost equipment suitable for mini food processing laboratories. The sessions also focused on reducing post-harvest losses and improving product quality.
Participants received hands-on training on preparation of value-added products including banana chips, dehydrated banana products, banana chocolate, cassava chips, pickles, bakery products and candy making, with emphasis on hygiene, nutrition and packaging. As part of the programme, trainees were taken on field visits to local enterprises including Yuthi Delights, Dream Bake and Tchutho FPO, where they interacted with entrepreneurs and learned about successful food processing ventures.
The programme also featured resource persons including Project Manager and Skill Development Officer, Wokha, Anuranjan Singh, Food Technologist, Zuchobeni L. Tsopoe and Proprietor of Dream Bake Wokha, Merizali Kikon, who shared their entrepreneurial experiences and encouraged participants to explore opportunities in food processing and agribusiness.
The training programmes witnessed active participation from SHG members, women and rural youth. Certificates were distributed during the valedictory session marking the successful completion of the programmes. Organisers stated that the initiative is expected to contribute towards nutritional security, sustainable rural enterprises and enhanced livelihood opportunities in the district.