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 event was a crucial step toward enhancing 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 gathered 80 enthusiastic participants. Farmers, community leaders, and agricultural experts came together with a shared goal: to explore innovative ways to improve the quality, value, and marketability of pineapple products. Leading the initiative was Mr. Sandesh Kumar, Project Lead at SLRD, who delivered an insightful opening address. He introduced Mission Vistaar and the IVCESS initiative—two programs dedicated to strengthening Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) by tackling challenges in capacity building, market access, technology adoption, and financial sustainability.
Hands-On Learning and Practical Skills
The 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. Mrs. Syiemlieh guided participants through a series of practical workshops that covered:
- High-Quality Pineapple Juice and Jam Production – Participants learned essential techniques for preserving nutritional value while ensuring product safety during processing.
- Branding and Packaging Solutions – The session emphasized market-oriented branding strategies, compliance with labeling regulations, and innovative packaging to enhance product appeal.
- Lemon Juice Preparation and Preservation – Beyond pineapples, the training expanded to lemon juice preservation techniques, providing farmers with additional avenues to diversify their offerings.
Throughout the day, participants actively engaged in discussions, asked questions, and shared their experiences. Tea and refreshments provided a relaxed setting for networking and exchange of ideas among attendees.
Strengthening Community and Market Opportunities
The closing session, led by Mr. Sandesh Kumar, reinforced the importance of continued collaboration and knowledge-sharing. He extended heartfelt gratitude to Mrs. Syiemlieh for her invaluable contributions and presented mementos to the headmen of four neighboring villages who attended as special guests. A delightful lunch followed, offering a moment of camaraderie before the day concluded.
Participants provided positive feedback, highlighting the hands-on nature of the training and expressing interest in future sessions. Many suggested additional topics, signifying an eagerness to continue learning and improving their agricultural practices.
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, allowing them to add value to their produce and increase its market competitiveness.
- Market Readiness – Training on branding and packaging equipped farmers with the knowledge to comply with market standards and attract consumers.
- Community Engagement – The presence of local leaders and the emphasis on collective learning strengthened community ties, fostering collaboration for improved agricultural development.
- Sustained Interest – Farmers’ enthusiasm and requests for future training sessions demonstrated a strong desire for continued skill development and innovation.
Quote from Anubha Baluapuri, Director, SLRD: “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.”
By empowering farmers with practical knowledge and market insights, this training 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 proven instrumental 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 continue to embrace sustainable and innovative agricultural practices, this initiative marks just the beginning of a transformative journey toward economic resilience and environmental sustainability.