TAWANG, 4 Jul: A 15-day micro enterprise development programme (MEDP) on value addition to finger millet for women self-help groups (SHGs)concluded here on Saturday, marking a significant step towards promoting women-led entrepreneurship and sustainable rural livelihoods.
The training programme was organised by the Block Mission Management Unit (BMMU), Tawang, under the Arunachal State Rural Livelihoods Mission (ArSRLM), in collaboration with the NABARD.
Over the past 15 days, participants received intensive hands-on training in transforming locally grown finger millet into a variety of nutritious, value-added products with strong market potential.
Deputy Commissioner Namgyal Angmo attended the valedictory programme and felicitated the trainees with certificates. She appreciated the remarkable range of millet-based food products and homemade snacks prepared by the participants during the training.
Addressing the gathering, the DC encouraged the SHG members to convert their newly acquired skills into successful enterprises by maintaining quality standards, adopting attractive packaging, and exploring wider markets. She emphasised that value addition to locally available resources such as finger millet can significantly enhance household incomes while preserving traditional food practices and promoting nutrition.
BMMU BCLH-NF Drema Lhamu presented a brief report on the training programme, highlighting its objectives, activities, and the enthusiastic participation of women from various SHGs across the district.
Dr Divya Pathak from the Tawang Krishi Vigyan Kendra informed that the participants underwent extensive practical demonstrations and hands-on sessions in preparing a wide range of value-added finger millet products. The training focused on improving processing techniques, product quality, hygiene, and commercial viability, she said.
NABARD DDC Keertika Kashyap said that the programme was fully funded by the NABARD and implemented by the Tawang BMMU. Besides products preparation, the trainees were equipped with knowledge on packaging, branding, marketing strategies, financial literacy, and enterprise management to help them establish sustainable micro-enterprises.
District Horticulture Officer Koncho Gyatso highlighted government initiatives such as Catch Them Young and the Arunachal Mushroom Mission, encouraging the trained SHGs to diversify their livelihood activities. He further informed that trained SHGs would be given preference while availing benefits under the Atmanirbhar Bagwani Yojana and other schemes.
Industries Deputy Director Tsering Drema briefed the participants on the PM Formalisation of Micro Food Processing Enterprises (PMFME) scheme and urged the SHGs to leverage the scheme for establishing and expanding their food processing enterprises.
The programme concluded on an optimistic note, reaffirming the commitment of the ArSRLM, NABARD, and stakeholders towards empowering rural women through skill development, entrepreneurship, and value addition. (DIPRO)
