Participants during the training programmes under the Tribal Sub Plan initiative held in Wokha district.
Morung Express News
Wokha | May 15
To promote food processing, entrepreneurship and livelihood opportunities among rural communities, the ICAR–Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Wokha conducted two five-day skill training programmes under the Tribal Sub Plan (TSP) initiative for Self-Help Groups (SHGs), Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs), farmers, rural youth and agripreneurs in the 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, with the objective of encouraging value addition of locally available crops and strengthening entrepreneurship through the establishment of mini food processing laboratories.
The programme was organised under the Course Director, Dr Sandeep Deshmukh, Senior Scientist & Head ICAR- KVK and Course Co-Ordinator Deepa Sing SMS (Home Science) and Thungchano S Ezung Prog Asst/Senior Technical Officer (Food Technology) KVK Wokha.
Addressing the participants, Dr Deshmukh highlighted the importance of value addition to locally grown produce and stressed the need for small-scale food processing units to improve rural income and livelihood opportunities.
During the programme, Thungchano Ezung conducted technical sessions on food processing techniques and demonstrated the use of low-cost equipment suitable for mini food processing laboratories. Participants were also trained on methods to reduce post-harvest losses and improve product quality.
Hands-on practical sessions included the preparation of value-added products such as fruit-based items, pickles and bakery products, with emphasis on hygiene, nutrition and packaging.
In another initiative, KVK Wokha conducted a five-day training programme on “Empowering FPOs, Farmers and Agripreneurs for Transforming Raw Produce into Value Added Market Products” from May 11 to 15.
The programme focused on equipping participants with technical knowledge and practical skills in food processing and agripreneurship. Sessions included lectures on introduction to food processing and “Wokha Agripreneurship Guide: From Farm Gate to Market Gate.”
As part of the programme, trainees were taken on a one-day field visit to local food enterprises, including Yuthi Delights, Dream Bake and Tchutho FPO, where they interacted with entrepreneurs and gained insights into their business journeys and experiences in food processing.
Practical demonstrations during the training covered banana chips processing, dehydrated banana products, banana chocolate, cassava chips, bakery processing and candy making.
Resource persons for the programme included Anuranjan Singh, Project Manager and Skill Development Officer, Wokha; Zuchobeni L Tsopoe, Food Technologist; and Merizali Kikon, proprietor of Dream Bake, Wokha, who shared their experiences and encouraged participants to explore entrepreneurship opportunities in food processing.
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 trainings.
KVK Wokha stated that the initiative is expected to contribute towards livelihood enhancement, nutritional security and the promotion of sustainable food processing enterprises in the district.
