Training-cum-demonstration programme on “Livelihood improvement through value addition and product diversification of local produce” under SCSP programme on 16th Dec, 2022

A training-cum-demonstration programme on “Livelihood improvement through value addition and product diversification of local produce” was organized on 16th December, 2022 at Farm Information Advisory Centre (FIAC), Block Agriculture Office, Kujanga, Jagatsinghpur. Around forty five Schedule Caste woman farmers from seven villages of Kujanga Block participated in the programme.
At the outset, Dr. Sachidananda Swain, Sr. Scientist (AS&PE), welcomed the participants and briefed about the programme and discussed on constraints and scope of value addition of local surplus for better remuneration rather than produce wastage during market glut. The coastal climate is conducive for high post harvest loss due to high humidity and sudden rainfall even during off-monsoon period. So, to mitigate the problems accrued by post harvest losses, value addition is imperative which could fetch higher price than the fresh produce. He emphasized on development of value added products from cereals, pulses and especially to fruits and vegetables such as tomato, mango, pine apple, bael, banana and leafy vegetables as a mean to enhance livelihood status.
Dr. Neetish Kumar, Scientist (CA & IT) addressed the gathering and discussed on role of digitization technology for bridging gender enequality, smart marketing system and role of IT for better supply chain management and popularization of local products at large.
Er. Tulasi Mahanna, Block Technology Manager (BTM), Kujanga Block highlighted about drudgery reduction equipments, food processing gadgets, food packaging and shelf life, time-management for rural women for better field activities at par with men counterparts. She also highlighted about the role of CIWA in upliftment of socio-economic condition of rural SC women in particular.
Er. Prasanti Sharma, Block Ag. Engg, Kujanga briefed about proper post harvest management and better price realization through development of value added products like RTS beverages, jam, pickle, dried powder. Farmers have shown their interest for the establishment of small scale processing unit in their locality which are heavily wasted during market glut.
Finally, farm implements such as sprayer, hand hoe, garden rake, spade, sickle, belcha, bucket and khurpi etc and vegetable seeds such as french bean and kidney bean were distributed among the farm women.
The event was coordinated by Dr. Sachidananda Swain, Sr. Scientist (AS&PE) and Dr. Neetish Kumar, Scientist (CA&IT) and facilitated by Er. Tulashi Mahanna, Block Technology Manager (BTM), Kujanga.