Assam: Training in food processing to empower women, uplift the local economy

GUWAHATI- Recently Aaranyak organised a one-day food processing training program in collaboration with CRMHS at Community Resource Centre, Chandrasing Rongpi village, Karbi Anglong, Assam. The training session was attended by 20 local women from Kohora River Basin and Diring River Basin.

The aim of the event was to equip rural women with techniques of processing different kinds of food products from readily available raw materials for commercial purposes as well as a source of alternative livelihood options.

The comprehensive food processing training session introduced alternative and sustainable livelihood options by equipping participants with basic essential skills and knowledge in food processing.

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This holistic program covered a wide range of topics, including basic food safety and hygiene, local produce identification and selection, various preservation techniques, value-added product development, packaging and labeling etc. By focusing on locally available produce and incorporating traditional knowledge, the training ensured relevance and sustainability.

The training sessions were coordinated by two local experts, Mrs. Mina Tokbipi from Engle Pathar village and Mrs. Larbin Timungpi from Bakring Engti village, both of whom have experience in these operations. Miss Joshna Terangpi of Aaranyak also shared various techniques and processes, including quantification and requirements for the value addition of farm products. The program taught participants the steps and processes involved in making three common value-added products: pickles, jam, and chili sauce.

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The training was successful because these newly acquired skills will enable the women to convert locally available, often underutilized resources into value-added products, creating a sustainable source of income. The focus on business acumen alongside technical skills empowers the women not only to produce but also to effectively market and sell their products, fostering financial independence.

One of the participants, Mrs. Protima Rongpipi from Phumen Engti village, shared, “The food processing training was very clear and precise. We now feel confident using the recipes, equipment, and techniques—otherwise, even minor errors could change the overall quality of the processed products. We’ll be able to process food, reduce waste, and that will help us financially and save time.”

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Another participant, Mrs. Merina Kramsapi from Sarbura Singnar village, expressed her gratitude, saying, “We are obliged and grateful to Aaranyak for providing us with these free training platforms. We would love to join such programs again to acquire new knowledge. This is a huge benefit for our household and will help boost our local economy.”

The program was made successful with the dedication and efforts of the whole team members, Miss Joshna Terangpi, Avinash Phangcho, Sarlongki Teron, Beauty Terangpi, Abhijeet Shil, and Dhoni Rongphar respectively.

Aaranyak is committed towards conservation of biodiversity, ecosystem and supporting the indigenous communities residing in Kaziranga- Karbi Anglong Landscape and Manas Landscape through promotion of Alternative and Sustainable Livelihoods activities, education and awareness . The initiative is supported by IUCN – Kfw and USFWS.