SHILLONG, DEC 8: A three-day capacity-building cum field demonstration programme on “Small scale entrepreneurship development for tribal community of NEH region – fisherwomen and youth in Meghalaya” was successfully conducted at ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Umiam.
The programme, organized by the ICAR–Central Institute of Fisheries Technology (ICAR-CIFT), Kochi, in collaboration with ICAR-NEH, under the ICAR-sponsored NEH Scheme, aimed to empower tribal communities in the region through fish processing and entrepreneurship development.
Twenty members of the Ri Bhoi Fish Farmers Producers Organization Co-operative Society Ltd. participated in the training, which included hands-on demonstrations on preparation of value-added fishery products such as fish pickle, fish cutlet, fish ball, fish finger, and prawn chutney powder.
The participants were also trained in utilizing fish waste for the preparation of amino acids, promoting waste-to-wealth practices. The programme was inaugurated by Dr. S. Hazarika, Director (A), ICAR-NEH, and Dr. A. K. Mohanty, Director, ATARI Zone VII, Meghalaya, along with senior officials and scientists from both collaborating institutions.
As part of the programme, five-litre ice boxes were distributed to all trainees to support and encourage them. The establishment of a small fish processing unit under the NEH component was also announced, which will enable members of the FPO to produce value-added products on a custom-hiring basis, fostering local entrepreneurship and livelihood enhancement.
