NABARD Launches Two MEDPs for SHGs at Longding
Staff Reporter:
Longding, 30th August 2023: In a significant stride towards fostering rural entrepreneurship and empowerment, the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) proudly announces the initiation of two Micro Enterprise Development Programmes (MEDPs) aimed at Bakery Products and Candle Making for SHGs. The launch event took place in Longding on Wednesday and was organized in collaboration with the Bethel Life Care Charitable Trust (BLCCT) and the Arunachal State Rural Livelihoods Mission (ArSRLM).
The inauguration ceremony was graced by distinguished dignitaries, including Mirpe Tato, Additional Deputy Commissioner of Longding, who honoured the event as the Chief Guest. Also present was Kamal Roy, District Development Manager at NABARD, who attended as the Guest of Honour. The event further witnessed the participation of key figures such as Mobi Ori, Block Mission Manager of ArSRLM, BMMU, Niausa block; Tompha Bangyang, Lead District Manager from SBI, and Chandan Prasad, President & CEO of BLCCT, alongside numerous members of the SHGs.
The Micro Enterprise Development Programmes (MEDPs) are meticulously crafted initiatives aimed at honing the skills of SHG members, enhancing production practices, and bridging skill gaps. Designed to empower women participants on their entrepreneurial journeys, this particular MEDP comprises a 15-day intensive training regimen meticulously curated to equip attendees with the comprehensive skills required for a successful bakery product and candle-making ventures.
The two MEDPs endeavour to train 30 members each from diverse SHGs within the Niausa block. The Bakery Products MEDP will impart knowledge spanning an array of delectable bakery items such as cakes, pastries, muffins, cupcakes, doughnuts, and buns. This comprehensive curriculum extends beyond baking techniques, encompassing packaging strategies and effective market engagement techniques. The second programme will train another 30 SHG members, enabling them to hone their skills in producing various types of candles, including Gel-based, Soya-based, and Paraffin-based candles.
Mirpe Tato, ADC Longding, extended his congratulations to the selected SHG members and urged them to diligently embrace the training. He emphasized the livelihood opportunities that these MEDPs present and encouraged the participants to maximize their benefits.
Kamal Roy, DDM NABARD, conveyed his heartfelt appreciation to the enthusiastic SHGs for their participation and shed light on future schemes that promise substantial benefits for SHG members. He commended BLCCT and ArSRLM for their pioneering efforts in extending essential training to remote areas, thus fostering sustainable income avenues for the participants.
Mobi Ori, BMM ArSRLM, expressed gratitude towards NABARD and BLCCT for their support to the SHGs. She encouraged the SHG members not only to undergo the training but also to embrace an entrepreneurial spirit, thereby contributing to the SHG movement's progress. She assured full support from the ArSRLM and motivated trainees to approach their learning with dedication, emphasizing sustainable income generation and market competitiveness.
Chandan Prasad, President of BLCCT, provided insights into the training's content, implementation stages, and the patterns of bakery and candle-making training. He highlighted the potential for promoting bakery products in rural areas and elaborated on the diverse uses of candles, ranging from aesthetics to emergency lighting and religious purposes. This training, he stated, would enable SHGs to enhance their skills in producing candles and effectively connecting with the market.
The initiation of these MEDPs for Bakery Products and Candle Making in the remote district of Longding signifies a resounding stride towards economic empowerment, skill enhancement, and rural upliftment. It encapsulates the shared vision of NABARD and all collaborating entities, reflecting their unwavering commitment to fostering growth and development at the grassroots level.