5-day capacity-building programme on “Food Processing and Preservation”

In an effort to strengthen the #resilience and build #selfreliance of the local community of Sundarban, particularly women, Nature Environment & Wildlife Society (NEWS) organized a 5-day capacity-building programme on “Food Processing and Preservation.” at the Ramakrishna Ashram Krishi Vigyan Kendra (RAKVK), Nimpith from March 4th to 8th, 2024. The programme aimed to impart vital skills and necessary knowledge on sustainable livelihood.

Under the expert guidance of Dr. Manashi Chakraborty, Course Coordinator of the training programme, eighteen women from six groups spanning Sagar, Saptamukhani, and Bidya-Raimangal Zone delved into group activities, hands-on sessions in a food laboratory, and practical workshops focusing on pickle making, jam and jelly production, and food preservation techniques using locally available fruits and vegetables.

Dr. Chakraborty underscored the significance of sustainable practices, entrepreneurship, financial management, and effective business planning as key pillars for the community’s socio-economic advancement. The training also featured the presentation of individual business plans by the participating groups. Ms. Sayantika Dutta from NEWS detailed the overarching business plan, while Mr. Basab Sarkar, Project Manager of NEWS, provided valuable insights, advocating for increased women’s engagement in such endeavors. The items prepared by the participants were evaluated by experts from RAKVK, and the programme concluded with a certificate distribution ceremony.

In a special observance, the participants and #RAKVKNimpith representatives celebrated International Women’s Day on March 8th, 2024.

This initiative not only aims to ensure #foodsecurity within the community but also champions #environmentalstewardship and the #conservation of #naturalresources through waste minimization.