By TC News Desk
Agartala, 28th January 2025: Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) Khowai, Tripura, successfully organized a one-week training programme on Fruits and Vegetable Processing and Value Addition under the Skill Training of Rural Youth (STRY) scheme. The training, which ran from 21st to 27th January 2025, aimed at empowering rural youth with the necessary skills to start food processing ventures. The training was conducted at the KVK premises in Chebri, Khowai, with 15 rural youth actively participating.
The inauguration of the training programme was graced by Chief Guest Ms. Charu- IAS, SDM Khowai and Guest of Honour Swarupa Reang, BDO of Padmabil Block. The welcome speech highlighted the training’s objectives, emphasizing its focus on equipping rural youth with the skills required for food processing and value addition by Dr. Manoj Singh Sachan, Senior Scientist- cum- Head, KVK Khowai: Tripura.
The Chief Guest Ms. Charu praised the KVK’s activities and its achievements. She encouraged the trainees to gain knowledge from the programme and spread it across the district, aiming to establish successful processing units that can build strong brands in the market. The inauguration concluded with the release of a training manual on Fruits Processing and Value Addition by the dignitaries.
Dr. Subhra Shil, SMS-Horticulture, KVK Khowai, delivered the vote of thanks. On the first day, Dr. SC Biswas, SMS- Home Science and Course Coordinator, introduced the trainees to the food processing scenario and its prospects. The second day focused on Post-harvest Management and Quality Control of Fruits and Vegetables, conducted by Dr. S. Shil, SMS-Horticulture. The day continued with practical sessions on the preparation of pickles, squash, jams, and jelly from underutilized fruits.
Day three was dedicated to more hands-on training on jelly and squash preparation using fruits like metsa, guava, and starfruit. On the fourth day, an exposure visit to Teliamura was organized, where trainees visited a confectionery processing unit and a lemon juice processing unit.
Dr. S.C. Biswas guided the visit. Mr. Ranabir Das, Director of “Ananda Ratan Chanachur Factory,” shared his inspiring journey of starting from a modest capital of Rs. 50 and developing a successful processing unit. The trainees were then taken to a lemon juice processing unit in Howaibari, where Chayan Sarkar, TRLM Block Field Officer, briefed them on processing methods, machinery, and packaging materials. Dr. Biswas also discussed the production technology for various fruit products, including RTS, squash, jams, and jelly. On the fifth day, Dr. Rajib Das, SMS-Agricultural Extension, conducted a session on Entrepreneurship Development through Food Processing. He highlighted the importance of marketing linkages and accessing financial assistance for setting up food processing units.
In the afternoon, Jiban Sarkar, District Resource Person, DIC Khowai, provided detailed information on government schemes, particularly PMFME, and the process to avail benefits and required documentation. On the sixth day, trainees actively participated in preparing mixed vegetable pickles. Dr. Biswas led the practical session, ensuring hands-on learning. The final day saw the preparation of mixed vegetable and amla pickles, which were packed in glass jars and labeled for identification.
The valedictory session held on the last day was graced by Chief Guest Sumit Kumar Pandey- IAS, ADM, Khowai. He congratulated the trainees on their hard work and production of eight value-added products. He emphasized the importance of processing in reducing food losses, highlighting that over 40% of produce is wasted without proper processing. Pandey also acknowledged food processing as a potential income source for unemployed youth. Certificates and inputs were distributed to the trainees, and the session concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr. S. Shil, SMS-Horticulture, followed by the National Anthem and group photographs.
This training programme has successfully imparted valuable skills in food processing and value addition, which will undoubtedly contribute to the economic empowerment of rural youth in the region.
