NAMSAI, 23 May: The Namsai Organic Spices and Agricultural Products Producer Company (NOSAAP), in collaboration with the ArSRLM, organised a capacity building programme on packaging, labelling, FSSAI licencing, and legal metrology compliance under the NABARD’s rural mart project in Chongkham on Saturday.

The training aimed to enhance the knowledge and build entrepreneurial capacity of SHG members, FPOs, cooperatives, and rural entrepreneurs engaged in food processing and value addition activities, according to a NABARD release.

Technical sessions were conducted by NOSAAP CEO Chau Athina Chauhai, covering scientific packaging methods, food labelling standards, FSSAI licencing procedures, pricing strategies, and legal metrology compliances for packaged food products.

The participants were guided on mandatory food labelling requirements, shelf-life enhancement, branding, and online FSSAI registration procedures through the FoSCoS portal.

Practical demonstrations on food packaging techniques using sealing machines and other tools were also presented by SHG entrepreneur Nang Tashi Chauhai, who shared her experience in packaging Khaw Tai rice and pickles for better market acceptance.

The NABARD’s District Development AGM for Namsai Kamal Roy highlighted the importance of proper packaging, branding, and regulatory compliance in improving consumer trust, product quality, and marketability of local products. He encouraged SHGs and newly formed cooperative societies to take up value addition and food processing activities through the cooperative model for sustainable livelihood development.