Training on mithun-based enterprises, horticultural value addition concludes

Medziphema, August 14 (MExN): A five-day training programme on “Skill Enhancement Training on Mithun-Based Enterprises and Value Addition of Horticultural Crops for Sustainable Livelihoods” concluded on Friday at the ICAR-National Research Centre on Mithun (ICAR-NRCM), Medziphema.

The programme was organised by ICAR-NRCM in collaboration with ICAR-Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) Phek, ICAR-KVK Dimapur and ICAR-NEH Region, Nagaland Centre, with technical support from the ICAR-Central Institute of Horticulture (CIH), Medziphema.

Held from August 10 to 14, the training was attended by 30 farmers, including 15 men and 15 women, from six villages of Phek district — Phek Town, Porba, Pfutsero, Khezakeno, Tsupfume and Middle Khomi.

The training focused on mithun-based enterprises, integrated farming, post-harvest management, value addition of agricultural and horticultural crops, natural farming and entrepreneurship.

Participants received hands-on training in the preparation of pickle, candy, ready-to-serve (RTS) beverages, jam and jelly, along with practical exposure to value-added mithun meat and milk products.

Exposure visits to the mithun farm, integrated farming facilities and the Khonoma Mithun Conservation Unit further strengthened participants’ practical understanding of the subjects covered during the training.

During the valedictory programme, Dr Girish Patil S., Director, ICAR-NRCM, encouraged participants to explore value addition of agricultural, horticultural and animal-based products, highlighting its potential to generate entrepreneurship and employment opportunities for farmers and others involved in processing, packaging and marketing.

He urged the participants to utilise the skills acquired during the training and explore locally suitable enterprises. The programme concluded with a farmer-scientist interaction and distribution of certificates to all participants.