Food Processing MEDP for SHGs Wraps Up Successfully in Miao
Staff Reporter:
Miao, December 21, 2023: The Micro Enterprise Development Programme (MEDP) for SHGs focused on food processing concluded on Thursday in Miao. This program, sponsored by NABARD and implemented by the Changlang Community Resource Management Society (CCRMS) in collaboration with the Arunachal State Rural Livelihoods Mission (ArSRLM), aimed to empower SHG members with valuable skills.
Thirty members from various SHGs supported by ArSRLM underwent training in crafting a variety of food products, including vegetable and non-vegetable pickles, Indian gooseberry (amla) and ginger candies, potato and banana papad, cookies, jams, millet cookies, tapioca and banana chips and local soybean products. The training also covered proper packaging and selling techniques for these products in the market.
The valedictory cum certificate distribution ceremony had Kamal Roy, District Development Manager (DDM) at NABARD, as the Chief Guest. Other notable participants included Rakesh Baruah, Branch Manager at SBI, Miao Branch; D.N. Thakur, Branch Manager at Apex Bank, Miao Branch; Keni Riba, Block Mission Manager (BMM) at ArSRLM; Junali Welly, Block Coordinator (Farm Sector) at ArSRLM; Nanju Simai Tikhak, District Project Director (DPD) at CCRMS, and the trainee SHG members.
Kamal Roy, DDM, NABARD, emphasized that MEDPs were introduced to enhance the skills and confidence of SHG members for engaging in micro-enterprises. Studies and feedback showed a significant improvement in skill development and self-confidence among SHG members who participated in MEDPs. They experienced increased income and employment opportunities as a result of the activities pursued after MEDP training.
Rakesh Baruah, BM, SBI, Miao Branch, encouraged SHGs to approach their activities seriously for sustainable income generation and to remain competitive in the market. He highlighted the importance of disseminating information widely to attract more participants to such training programs.
D.N. Thakur, BM, Apex Bank, Miao Branch, congratulated the SHG members for completing the training programme and assured them of his support. He encouraged SHGs to open accounts in Apex Bank.
Kenny Riba, BMM, ArSRLM, explained the overarching mission of MEDPs, emphasizing their role in nurturing the competencies and capabilities of SHG members to foster the development of micro-enterprises.
Nanju Simai Tithak, District Project Director at CCRMS, elaborated on various aspects of the MEDP, highlighting that SHGs would receive training on food product packaging and effective pricing strategies to secure reasonable income.
Participants enthusiastically shared their training experiences, expressing gratitude to NABARD for providing valuable training opportunities locally. The training not only equipped them with new skills but also saved them the inconvenience and expense of traveling outside their state.
During the training, Smt. Lusap Khimhun from Sanuna SHG, Miao, was awarded for Best Sample Making of Food Processing products, and Smt. Roikhap Kimsing from Mercy SHG, Nerong village, was awarded Best Trainee. These awards were presented to motivate SHGs to continue doing good work in the future and inspire other SHGs to be sincere in upcoming training programmes.