Key Takeaways
- CSKHPKV and NIFTEM have launched a food processing hub in Kangra, Himachal Pradesh.
- The initiative aims to enhance rural livelihoods by focusing on flaxseed processing.
- Government schemes and empowerment of women-led SHGs will be prioritized for sustainable development.
New Collaborative Food Processing Hub Established
Chaudhary Sarwan Kumar Himachal Pradesh Krishi Vishvavidyalaya (CSKHPKV) has joined forces with the National Institute of Food Technology Entrepreneurship and Management (NIFTEM) to create a science and technology hub for food processing in Badsar gram panchayat, Kangra district. Supported by a project from the Department of Science and Technology, the hub aims to enhance rural livelihoods and encourage agri-based entrepreneurship.
The primary focus of this initiative is flaxseed processing and value addition. The goal is to foster affordable nutrition while generating sustainable income opportunities for tribal Self-Help Groups (SHGs) in the area. During the inauguration, Vice-Chancellor Dr. AK Panda emphasized the significance of grassroots food processing in improving farmers’ incomes and creating jobs. He urged better utilization of Government of India initiatives and encouraged women-led SHGs to embrace scientific processing techniques for enhanced value addition and entrepreneurship.
Attendees at the inauguration included Dr. Rajni Chopra, the Project Principal Investigator for Food Science and Technology at NIFTEM, along with other faculty members and local representatives. The hub will enable farmers and SHGs to efficiently process, standardize, and market their products, which is projected to boost incomes and improve market access.
This initiative is poised to play a crucial role in enhancing nutrition security, food safety, and rural entrepreneurship while reflecting a commitment to inclusive and sustainable development in Himachal Pradesh.
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