Shillong, Sept 2: Fifty participants from Jaintia Hills were trained in machinery utilisation using the Mobile Food Processing Unit during a two-day skill programme that began from September 1.
Organised by NEHU-Deen Dayal Upadhyay Community College, Wahiajer in collaboration with the North East Centre for Technology Application and Reach (NECTAR), the training focused on hands-on processing of pineapple beverages, jam, spices and tomato-based products, along with operation of the mobile unit, hygiene, packaging and enterprise development.
Resource persons Mariadon Pathaw, Project Officer, NECTAR and Dhanjit Barman, Junior Analyst, conducted the technical sessions.
Addressing the valedictory function on Tuesday, NECTAR Director General Dr Arun Kumar Sarma said technology-based value addition of local agri-produce can create employment and sustainable livelihoods in the Northeast.
He said the mobile van with its own power backup can reach far-flung areas without electricity and there is a proposal to make it a fully green unit to prevent contamination.
He urged participants to use their traditional knowledge with newly acquired skills and to tap schemes like PM VIKAS and PM Vishwakarma.
He assured continued collaborative support.
Guest of honour Dr Heimonmi Niang, BDO, Thadlaskein Block, representing the Deputy Commissioner, West Jaintia Hills, said skill is the gateway to employment and called for value addition of seasonal fruits and indigenous processing practices of Jaintia Hills to sustain economic activity.
Dr F R Sumer, Principal I/c, DDUCC, welcomed the gathering. Retired NEHU professors H Lamin and S M Sungoh also spoke.
The programme ended with certificate distribution and a vote of thanks by programme coordinator Wolnish Rymbai.
