Thchutho Cooperative FPO Ltd. has opened a food processing unit in Wokha with support from NABARD.
WOKHA — Thchutho Cooperative Farmer Producer Organisation (FPO) Ltd. inaugurated its food processing unit at Rachan Colony, Wokha town, on Wednesday, with assistance from National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) under the TRIBES Sustainability Plan 2026.
The programme marked the launch of a banana chips manufacturing unit, a banana beverages unit, and a lemon processing unit, along with the unveiling of banana chips products.
General Manager OIC, NABARD Regional Office, Dimapur, P Bulte, attended the occasion as the special guest, while Project Manager Amos Odyuo chaired the programme.
Addressing the gathering, Bulte highlighted the importance of food processing, noting that “without processing there can be no value addition, and without value addition there is limited scope for premium pricing". He acknowledged that although the facility was modest at present, it held potential for scaling up in the years ahead.
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He further stated that the unit would provide farmers with a steady source of income while reducing wastage, citing that nearly 20 to 30 per cent of food produce in India goes to waste. The facility, he said, could play a vital role in minimising post-harvest losses and creating employment opportunities for local youth.
Consumers, he added, would benefit from good-quality, locally processed products, while greater local processing would enhance awareness of product origin and quality. Bulte urged the FPO to maintain strict quality standards, cautioning that any compromise could damage the company’s reputation and goodwill.
Delivering the welcome address and progress report on the Sustainability and Exit Plan, Chairman of Mass Educational Welfare Society (MEWS) and Project Facilitating Agency, Lanchibemo Tsopoe, expressed gratitude to NABARD for its support since 2016 and acknowledged the assistance of various line departments in the FPO’s growth.
Dr. Thungchano S Ezung, Technical Officer (Food Engineering & Technology), Indian Council of Agricultural Research - Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Wokha, remarked that the initiative would benefit farmers beyond the FPO by reducing post-harvest losses. She lauded the Thchutho FPO as hard-working and committed to progress.