Correspondent
WOKHA, AUG 12 (NPN): The Thchutho Cooperative FPO Ltd. inaugurated its Food Processing Unit at Rachan Colony, Wokha Town on August 12, with assistance from NABARD under the TRIBES Sustainability Plan 2026.
The facility comprises a banana chips manufacturing unit, banana beverage unit and lemon processing unit, along with the launch of its banana chips products. General Manager OIC, NABARD Regional Office, Dimapur, P. Bulte attended the programme as special guest, while Project Manager Amos Odyuo chaired the event.
Addressing the gathering, Bulte emphasised that food processing was the need of the hour, stating that without processing there could be no value addition, and without value addition, premium pricing was limited. He said the facility, though small at present, could be scaled up in the coming years.
He noted that the unit would provide farmers with a steadier source of income while reducing post harvest losses. Citing an estimated 20-30 percent wastage of food produce in India, he said the facility could play an important role in minimising wastage and creating employment opportunities for local youth as it expands.
Bulte also urged the FPO to maintain strict quality standards, cautioning that any compromise could affect the company’s reputation and undermine the goodwill it had built over the years.
In his welcome address and progress report on the Sustainability and Exit Plan, chairman, MEWS and Project Facilitating Agency, Lanchibemo Tsopoe acknowledged the considerable support received from NABARD since 2016, which had contributed to the organisation’s growth. He also appreciated the assistance extended by various line departments.
Technical Officer (Food Engineering & Technology), ICAR KVK Wokha, Dr. Thungchano S. Ezung said the processing unit would benefit farmers beyond the FPO by reducing post harvest losses. She described the Thchutho FPO as a hardworking organisation and noted that the initiative could benefit farmers across the district.
The programme began with an invocation and special prayer by pastor, Police Baptist Church, Zuben N. Ngullie, followed by the inauguration and product launch. It concluded with a vote of thanks by chairman, Thchutho Cooperative, Yalumo Ngullie.