Resubelpara: With the aim to impart knowledge on value addition of horti-agri products, the District Horticulture Office at Resubelpara in Meghalaya’s North Garo Hills held a seminar on value addition of fruits and spices for the entrepreneurs and farmers of the district on Friday.
Addressing the gathering as the chief guest during the programme, Dr Bontina G Momin, BDO Kharkutta C&RD, noted that the region has loads of fresh locally available agri- horti produces and value addition of such produces would accelerate growth and create income sustainability as the demand of value-added products is high.
Most fruits and spices in their original nature have a short shelf life but value-added products have extended shelf life, thereby enabling their availability even during off season.
Dr Bontina Momin urged the gathering to support and encourage one another in promoting the business of value addition of fruits and spices.
Emphasizing value addition, Salma Momin, ADH, DHO, said selling fresh produce straight from the farm does not always help a farmer fetch a good price but value addition of fruits and spices not only enhances their quality but provides market value and better pricing.
The programme, which was held under the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH), a centrally-sponsored scheme, focuses on empowering farmers and entrepreneurs to double their income through horticultural products by incorporating value addition, said Salma Momin.
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Farmers and entrepreneurs during the day-long seminar were imparted skills on value addition of spices, such as ginger, turmeric, black pepper, cardamom and fruits like jackfruit, banana, among others transforming those items into pickle, candy, jelly-jam, juices and powder.
