By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Nov 27: The Science Technology and Innovation (STI) Hub at Martin Luther Christian University (MLCU), in collaboration with the Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, MLCU, organised a one-day capacity building programme on ‘Forward and Backward Linkages in Food Processing Industries.’
This initiative, funded by the Science for Equity Empowerment and Development (SEED) Division, Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India, is aimed at enhancing the livelihoods of farmers and promoting sustainable practices.
The programme, held in celebration of the 3rd Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas or National Tribal Day, took place at Jyntru village in Ri-Bhoi.
Branch Manager of Meghalaya Rural Bank, Nongpoh Branch, Paia L Mawlong, who was the resource person, highlighted the crucial role farmers play in the community and spoke about the strategies for increasing their livelihoods through the value addition of their cultivated crops.
Addressing the gathering, Mawlong emphasised the reliance of farmers on market values for their produce and the subsequent impact on their livelihoods if market values decrease. Despite various schemes and training programmes provided by both state and central governments to support farmers, many remain unaware of such initiatives.
Mawlong encouraged farmers to obtain a farmers’ ID from the Agriculture department to gain access to various government schemes.
A total of 52 participants, including farmers and community members, benefited from the programme. Principal Investigator of the project and Head of the Department of Nutrition and Dietetics at MLCU, Dr Melodynia Marpna, and Headman of Jyntru Village, Moses Syngkli, were also present at the event.
The initiative aligns with the Government of India’s declaration of November 15 as Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas or National Tribal Day, commemorating the birth anniversary of Bhagwan Birsa Munda.