Training for low cost preservation unit held

Trainees and participants during the training for low cost preservation unit under Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture held at the Directorate of Horticulture, Kohima on February 4. (DIPR Photo)

Kohima, February 4 (MExN): The Department of Horticulture organised training for low cost preservation unit under Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH) at the Directorate of Horticulture, Kohima on February 4. 

MIDH is a centrally sponsored scheme for the holistic growth of the horticulture sector covering fruits, vegetables, root & tuber crops, mushrooms, spices, flowers, aromatic plants, coconut, cashew, cocoa and bamboo, stated a DIPR report. 

The objectives for low cost preservation unit is to augment the incomes of smaller grower families through value-addition to their produce; to train the selected beneficiary women in processing, semi-processing and preservation of horticultural produce; to establish market linkages for the sale of the products; to achieve a full-fledged production unit which is sustainable and viable. 

For North-eastern states, the GoI contributes 90% and 10% share is contributed by State Government, informed a DIPR report. 

Director of Horticulture & Mission Director (MIDH), Dr R Elithung Lotha in his brief speech mentioned that the training is a mission code programme initiated by the GoI to reach out to the people and many have benefitted from this scheme. He pointed that in their action plan they have focused to create an opportunity for employment generation mostly for women, skilled and unskilled person, villagers and uneducated youths. He urged the trainers to grasp these opportunities for their sustainable and viable livelihood as well as for the economic growth of Nagaland.

He further stated that lack of storage facility is one of the major cause of post-reap misfortune and along the line, the training is a necessity to increment considerable come back to processor during off season, which is just a small method that can be done in the comfort of one's own home.

Deputy Director, Meyasashi who was the resource person of the training remarked that Nagaland is blessed with a rich biodiversity of wide range of tropical and subtropical crops but due to lack of storage facility many crops get wasted. He said that the main objective of the low cost processing training is to process a safe and nutritious food throughout the year. He informed that, these days there are many educated entrepreneurs who are successfully running it online and promoting it through a seamless blend of wisdom and modern knowledge. Therefore, urged the beneficiaries to take the training seriously and venture out successfully when such programme are been borne by the government for the benefit of all.

The programme highlights included technical session, where the training was focused on scope of fruits  & vegetables preservation; preparation of fruit squash, jam & jelly, pickle making, fruit candy; Dehydration of fruits using solar drier.