Empowering Farmers for a Sustainable Future
On July 31, 2024, the lush landscapes of Meghalaya played host to an empowering one-day training program, “Maximizing Pineapple Potential: From Harvest to Market.” Organized by the School of Livelihood and Rural Development (SLRD) in collaboration with ICAR-ATARI, Zone VII, and KvK Ri-Bhoi, this initiative marked a crucial step toward advancing sustainable agricultural practices and boosting farmers’ incomes.
A Vision for Agricultural Advancement
Held at the Western Ri-Bhoi Farmers Producers Cooperative Society Ltd in Patharkhmah, the training program brought together 80 enthusiastic participants, including farmers, community leaders, and agricultural experts. With a shared commitment to enhancing the quality, value, and marketability of pineapple products, the event set the stage for meaningful learning and collaboration.
Speaking on the impact of the program, Anubha Baluapuri, Director, SLRD, stated:
“This training program has empowered farmers with essential skills to enhance pineapple value, market access, and sustainability. We sincerely thank the teams from ICAR-ATARI and KvK Ri-Bhoi for their invaluable support in strengthening Meghalaya’s agricultural resilience and fostering new economic opportunities for farming communities.”
Hands-On Learning and Practical Skills
A key highlight of the day was the expert-led training session conducted by Mrs. Eliza C. Syiemlieh, Subject Matter Specialist in Home Science from KvK Ri-Bhoi. She guided participants through a series of interactive workshops, equipping them with practical skills in:
- High-Quality Pineapple Juice and Jam Production – Farmers learned essential techniques to preserve the nutritional value and ensure safety and quality during processing.
- Branding and Packaging Solutions – The session focused on market-oriented branding strategies, compliance with labeling regulations, and innovative packaging techniques to enhance product appeal.
- Lemon Juice Preparation and Preservation – Expanding beyond pineapples, farmers gained knowledge on preserving lemon juice, opening up additional income-generating opportunities.
Throughout the day, participants actively engaged in discussions, posed insightful questions, and shared their farming experiences. The training not only imparted technical skills but also fostered peer learning and community interaction.
Strengthening Community and Market Opportunities
In the closing session, the significance of continued collaboration and knowledge-sharing to sustain progress was reinforced. Gratitude was expressed to Mrs. Syiemlieh for her invaluable contribution, and the headmen of four neighboring villages were felicitated as special guests. The event concluded with a delightful lunch, providing a relaxed environment for networking and camaraderie among attendees.
Participants provided overwhelmingly positive feedback, appreciating the hands-on approach of the training and requesting additional sessions on related topics. Their enthusiasm underscored the need for ongoing capacity-building initiatives in value addition and agri-entrepreneurship.
Impact and Future Prospects
The success of this program was evident in its outcomes:
- Skill Enhancement – Farmers gained hands-on experience in processing and preserving fruit-based products, enabling them to add value and increase market competitiveness.
- Market Readiness – Training in branding and packaging equipped farmers with the knowledge to meet market standards and attract more consumers.
- Community Engagement – The involvement of local leaders strengthened community ties, fostering collaborative growth in agriculture.
- Sustained Interest – The eagerness of farmers to participate in future training programs demonstrated a strong commitment to continuous learning and innovation.
By empowering farmers with practical knowledge and market insights, this initiative has laid the foundation for a more prosperous and sustainable agricultural sector in Meghalaya. The collaboration between SLRD, ICAR-ATARI, and KvK Ri-Bhoi has played a pivotal role in bridging the gap between traditional farming methods and modern market demands, ensuring that local farmers thrive in an evolving agricultural landscape.
As Meghalaya’s farming communities embrace sustainable and innovative agricultural practices, this initiative signifies the beginning of a transformative journey toward economic resilience and environmental sustainability.