SHILLONG, AUG 20: A state-of-the-art facility to maximise utilisation and reduce wastage of jackfruits in the region was inaugurated at the College of Community Science in Tura, on Tuesday.
The Techno Incubation Centre (TIC) for Jackfruit Processing will be providing advanced training resources and technological support to farmers and entrepreneurs encouraging innovation and sustainable practices in jackfruit processing and is equipped with a quality control laboratory for food testing to maintain food quality.
The processing centre marks a significant advancement in the region’s agricultural and entrepreneurial landscape and aims to transform jackfruit, an underutilised resource into a commercially viable product, offering sustainable income opportunities for local farmers and entrepreneurs.
The processing centre was inaugurated by vice-chancellor, CAU, Imphal Anupam Mishra in the presence of West Garo Hills Deputy Commissioner, Jagdish Chelani, Officer on Special Duty, Directorate of Food Processing, Meghalaya B Mylliemngap, Dean, College of Community Science, Dr. Jyoti Vastrad, other distinguished dignitaries, Heads of Various Departments, Invitees, farmers and entrepreneurs of the region.
Addressing the gathering virtually as the chief guest, Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma informed that this is a one of the important developmental project dedicated for the people of the region which will provide proper training and infrastructure facilities while also enhancing the quality of products made from jackfruit and provide a sustainable source of income for farmers and entrepreneurs.
West Garo Hills Deputy Commissioner, Jagdish Chelani said since the state is primarily an agricultural society, there is room for improvement to increase produce as the state produces the best quality of pineapples, oranges, turmeric among others.
The Dean, College of Community, CAU (I) Tura Dr. Jyoti Vastrad informed that the Technology Incubation Centre aims to empower local communities by providing tools, knowledge, quality testing and certification and also assist to produce high quality products that can compete with the global market which further extends to all other agricultural produce of the region offering sustainable income opportunities for local farmers and entrepreneurs.
Vice-Chancellor, CAU, Imphal Anupam Mishra, Officer on Special Duty, Directorate of Food Processing, Meghalaya B Mylliemngap, Jackfruit Entrepreneur, Perastill R Sangma were among others who spoke on the occasion.
Earlier during the function, the dignitaries lights the ceremonial lamp, and the dignitaries also release the Techno Incubation Centre for Jackfruit Processing brochure.
