Participants and others during the hands-on training on horticulture processing and value addition, which concluded at KVK Wokha on April 24.
Morung Express News
Wokha | April 24
The five-day hands-on training on horticulture processing and value addition concluded at KVK Wokha on April 24, with a valedictory programme and distribution of certificates held under the TSP initiative. The training aimed at promoting skill development and entrepreneurship, particularly among tribal women, SHGs and FPOs. Participants included HSLC students on vacation as well as married women from the district.
Senior Scientist and Head, ICAR-KVK Wokha, Dr Sandeep Deshmukh, served as the course director, while Skill Development Officer, Wokha, Anuranjan Singh, attended the programme as the special guest.
The sessions began on April 20 with an introduction to food processing, followed by a series of practical demonstrations. Certified food processor Lily Humtsoe of Yuthi Delights demonstrated banana chip preparation, while Merizali Kikon, proprietor of Dream Bakes, conducted baking sessions and introduced products such as perilla cookies and other value-added items.
On the third day, Subject Matter Specialist (Home Science), Dipa Singh, guided participants in preparing banana- and peach-based products including juice, jam and candies. The fourth day focused on the use of underutilised crops, where trainees prepared items like sumac candy and nutrition bars, along with lessons on post-harvest management.
Speaking at the programme, Anuranjan Singh encouraged participants to be innovative and explore markets beyond Wokha. He highlighted the importance of proper packaging, labelling and presentation, and assured support in marketing and accessing financial assistance for viable ventures.
He also stressed the need to maintain quality and develop unique products, while encouraging group efforts for better returns. Participants were further advised to continue upgrading their skills through similar training programmes.
Earlier, Programme Assistant and Technical Officer (Food Technology), Thungchano Ezung, thanked the Director, ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Umiam, Meghalaya, and Dr H. Kalita, Joint Director, ICAR Nagaland Centre, Medziphema, for their support.
