DIMAPUR — With an aim to equip women farmers with the knowledge to enhance income generation throughout the year, Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Phek, organised a five-day skill development training on post-harvest management from September 16 to the 20th.
The programme began with a welcome address delivered by Dr. Hannah Krujia, CTO Agronomy.
It stated that lectures were delivered by Dr. Venkatesh Gaddikeri, Dr. Sharanappa CH and Dr. Hannah Krujia on the importance of post-harvest management in agriculture, storage insects and its management, post-harvest management in kiwi and its economics.
Experts from ICAR- CIPHET, Ludhiana, namely Dr. Shrikrishna Nishani, Dr. Abhinav Dubey and Sumit Urhe highlighted the value addition of food grains, cold chain development and techniques to increase the shelf life of fruits and vegetables through virtual mode. They have provided insights into how farmers could leverage those practices for economic benefits.
It stated that farmers were also given hands-on training and demonstration by Wemheu Rhakho and Vesapolu Hesuh from CWWS, Pfutsero, in creating millet-based value-added products such as millet cakes and desserts as well as preparing jam and ready-to-serve (RTS) products from kiwi fruits, which is Phek’s one district one product (ODOP).
In addition to theoretical knowledge, participants were taken on field visits to observe new storage interventions.
The training concluded on September 20 with a valedictory function that featured a farmer-scientist interaction. During the session, experts issued a call to action by encouraging farmers to apply the knowledge gained for greater economic benefits with a focus on value addition and marketing strategies for millet and kiwi products.
It further stated that certificates were also awarded to all participants in recognition of their active involvement and commitment throughout the training.