Solan: The Department of Food Science and Technology at Dr. YS Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, in collaboration with the Ambuja Foundation, successfully organized a two-day hands-on training programme on ‘Processing and Value Addition of Fruits and Vegetablea’ at the University campus. The training was attended by 27 women trainees from Mandi district who were sponsored by NABARD.
This capacity-building initiative aimed to equip rural women with practical knowledge and technical skills for generating livelihood opportunities through fruit and vegetable processing as part of Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyaan.
The programme was coordinated by HOD Dr. Rakesh Sharma, with Dr. Anil Verma and Dr. Abhimanyu Thakur as co-coordinators. The training featured interactive sessions and live demonstrations conducted by subject experts and faculty members of the department. Participants were trained in techniques such as juice and pulp extraction, preparation of fruit-based beverages, fruit bars/leathers (papad), osmotically dried products, jam, chutney, pickles, tomato sauce and ketchup making.
The concluding session, led by Dr. Rakesh Sharma focused on key aspects related to the establishment of small-scale fruit processing units. He also provided valuable insights into food safety, quality standards and regulatory licensing procedures. The session concluded with feedback from participants, who expressed enthusiasm and appreciation for the training.
The university regularly holds such training programmes which not only help in enhancing the skills of rural women but also pave the way for self-employment, income generation and improved utilization of local horticultural produce.
