Empowering Rural Entrepreneurs: Successful Conclusion of NABARD-Sponsored MEDP on Food Processing Training for SHGs
Staff Reporter:
Diyun, March 12, 2024: The Micro Enterprise Development Programme (MEDP) on Food Processing, sponsored by NABARD and executed by the Changlang Community Resource Management Society (CCRMS), reached a successful culmination today with a certificate cum valediction ceremony at Kumchaikha Village, Diyun, District Changlang.
The valediction ceremony witnessed the presence of esteemed dignitaries including Kamal Roy, DDM, NABARD; A.K Pandey, ADO, Diyun; Nanju Simai Tikhak, DPD, CCRMS; Advocate Basanta Chauhai; Progressive Farmers; Village Heads; and SHG members.
Nanju Simai Tithak, District Project Director at CCRMS, emphasized the pivotal aspects of the Food Processing Programme during her opening remarks, underscoring the importance of packaging and effective pricing strategies to ensure a sustainable income for SHGs. This initiative marks a significant stride towards fostering rural entrepreneurship and promoting sustainable agricultural practices in the region.
The programme showcased the diverse array of food processing products crafted by SHGs, ranging from vegetable and non-vegetable pickles to Indian gooseberry (amla) and ginger candies, banana and tapioca chips, alongside various local delicacies such as bit root juice and star fruit juice.
Advocate Basanta Chauhai encouraged SHG members to embark on their production journey with patience, stressing that success is achieved through consistent steps forward.
Kamal Roy, DDM NABARD, extended heartfelt congratulations to all trainees for successfully completing the MEDP training programme. He urged SHGs to establish a distinct brand identity for their local food processing products and acquire necessary licenses and compliances, including FASSAI license, legal metrology department's approval for their weight machines, trade license, and other regulatory prerequisites to flourish as entrepreneurs. He emphasized the pivotal role of credit linkage from banks in facilitating rural development, highlighting the significance of Kisan Credit Cards (KCC) and urging every SHG to obtain one, aligning with the ongoing "Ghar Ghar KCC Abhiyan" campaign.
A.K Pandey, ADO, motivated SHGs to kickstart their ventures and encouraged participants to leverage various government schemes such as ANKY and ANPY for further support.
The ceremony concluded with the distribution of certificates to trainee SHG members, alongside recognition awards for the best trainees in product quality and attendance. These accolades were bestowed with the aim of inspiring SHGs to actively engage in future programmes with renewed zeal and enthusiasm.