A five-day skill development training programme on value addition on fruits, vegetables and spice processing began in Guwahati on February 15.

Held at the Institute of Cooperative Management, the training programme is organised by CSIR-Central Food Technological Research Institute (CFTRI), Mysore in collaboration with Agricultural & Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA).

The programme is aimed to benefit the young entrepreneurs and exporters of Assam involved in food processing sector by providing technical knowledge- both theoretical and hands-on expertise through practical sessions.

APEDA has identified food processing and value addition as one of the focus areas for promotion of processed food products from the region as exports of perishables is a challenge and exports will be viable if it is backed by food processing and adding value to it.

In this regard, APEDA is working closely with repute institution such as CFTRI, IIFPT for skill development programme in food processing and value addition.

A similar programme was conducted in Imphal, Manipur in January this year and more such programmes are in the pipeline.

Around 40 entrepreneurs have been selected to attend the programme and hostel facilities are provided for the entrepreneurs who are coming from far-flung places.

Objectively such programmes will benefit the exporters as well as the entrepreneurs in value addition of perishable products.

A team of senior scientists from CSIR-CFTRI has come from Mysore for providing the training.

The trainees will be taken to Industries in the vicinity and show them the practical proposition.

Akash Deep, IAS Commissioner & Secretary Agriculture, Assam, inaugurated the event and was attended by several other dignitaries.

It may be mentioned here that CSIR-CFTRI has opened its Liaison Office in Guwahati in February 2020 at APEDA Regional Office and started its functioning with the support of APEDA.

The institute being of importance in the food processing sector globally has a high significance in developing the food processing sector in the northeast.