REASI: The Department of Horticulture organized a one-day Fruit and Vegetable processing training for a group of women framers from Reasi. The training was held here at the Fruit Craft Centre Chand Nagar under HADP scheme.
As many as 70 members of different women Self Help Groups (SHGs) registered under NRLM participated in the training. They were imparted technical knowledge and practical skills in fruit and vegetable preservation and processing with a focus on value addition of horticultural produce, promotion of entrepreneurship and enhancement of rural livelihoods.
The programme was attended by Director Horticulture Jammu Gul Syed as the Chief Guest, in presence of Chief Canning & Processing Instructor, Sanjeev Kumar Kurlipa; Chief Horticulture officer Reasi Rajinder Sharma and other officials of the department.
The Chief Canning & Processing Instructor also briefed the participants on various departmental schemes available for establishment of fruit and vegetable processing and preservation units. He informed that 60% subsidy is available on eligible components and machinery required for setting up processing units, including pulpers and other processing equipment.
Manager-cum-Chemist Shrestha Gaur provided detailed information regarding the processes involved in fruit and vegetable preservation and processing.
The programme concluded with an emphasis on strengthening women-led enterprises, promoting value addition of horticultural produce and creating sustainable livelihood opportunities through fruit and vegetable processing. The women participants expressed gratitude for the initiative taken by the department to empower them through such training and exposure visits.
