Mokokchung, July 25 (MTNews): The Agricultural Technology Management Agency (ATMA), Mokokchung, in collaboration with SAMETI, Medziphema, and MANAGE, Hyderabad, conducted a six-day Skill Training of Rural Youth (STRY) program on “Post-Harvest Processing of Fruits and Vegetables” from July 18 to July 23, 2022 at Sangtam Church, Penli ward, to impart skill-based training and create self-employment among rural youth, as well as to facilitate their growth as entrepreneurs in post-harvest processing.

 

Youth from Sangtam Baptist Curch, Penli ward, Mokokchung along with Resource person and ATMA Staff, Mokokchung. (Photo: ATMA Mokokchung)

 

 

The training was held in light of the fact that, over the past years, horticulture has emerged as one of the potential agricultural industries for accelerating Nagaland’s economic growth. Throughout the state, oranges, lemons, pears, bananas, passion fruit, pineapple, mango, and other fruits are grown. However, due to insufficient post-harvest management, 5 to 30% of horticulture product is lost which can be decreased if the supply is subjected to value addition.

 

Sentinaro Longchar, Deputy Project Director, ATMA, Mokokchung, and Toshirenla T Longkumer, Assistant Technology Manager (ATM), Changtongya block, ATMA, Mokokchung, as resource persons spoke on a variety of topics, including the importance of value addition; preservation and sterilization techniques; and hands-on demonstrations of banana and pear jam and pickles of green chilli, garlic, tomato, passion fruit, squash, mango, and brinjal. The trainees were also shown how to use a sealing machine and seal a package.

 

The inaugural program was chaired by Samuel, Assistant Chief Technical Officer (ACTO), KVK, Tuensang and Sentinaro Longchar, Deputy Project Director, ATMA, Mokokchung delivered the keynote address. The inaugural program concluded with vote of thanks from Watisenla Imchen, Block Technology Manager (BTM), Ongpangkong block, ATMA, Mokokchung.

 

Tsuktirenla S Jamir, Assistant Technology Manager (ATM), Ongpangkong North, ATMA, Mokokchung, presided over the valedictory program. Sentinaro Longchar, Deputy Project Director, ATMA, Mokokchung, congratulated the participants on finishing the week-long training program, and Sangyu Sangtam, Pastor, Sangtam Baptist Church, Mokokchung, distributed certificates to all participants. Participants’ evaluations and feedback were also collected. Altogether 20 Participants attended the Skill Training Program.

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