Farmers, women trained in value addition, food processing and business opportunities under RKVY project
Bhumti, October 14: A one-day training camp on millet processing and entrepreneurship was organised at Bhumti Gram Panchayat on Wednesday to promote traditional grains and create self-employment opportunities in rural areas.
The programme was organised by the Department of Food Science and Technology at Dr YS Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, Solan, under the Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY) project.The training aimed to familiarise farmers, women and self-help groups with the nutritional benefits of millets, processing techniques, value addition and opportunities for entrepreneurship. Experts highlighted how traditional grains can be converted into marketable food products through appropriate processing methods and modern technology.
Dr Manisha Kaushal and Dr Anil Kumar Verma from the university provided practical insights into the nutritional value of millets, food processing techniques and the preparation of value-added products.
A demonstration was also conducted on preparing millet-based muffins and fruit jam. Participants were informed about the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) registration and licensing requirements for starting food processing businesses, enabling aspiring entrepreneurs to comply with food safety standards while producing and marketing their products.The initiative highlighted the potential of local agricultural produce to generate additional income and strengthen the rural economy. Value addition to traditional grains and the development of small-scale food processing units can create new livelihood opportunities for farmers, women and rural youth.
Bhumti Gram Panchayat Pradhan Shakuntala, Up-Pradhan Vinay Sharma, Panchayat Secretary Vijay Laxmi and ward members were present at the programme.The training underscored the importance of moving beyond conventional farming towards value addition and food processing to promote rural self-reliance and entrepreneurship.
