A three-day program that included the opening of a women technology park (WTP) millet processing unit and a practical training workshop came to a successful conclusion on Friday in Dadam Village in the Tirap district of Arunachal Pradesh. The program is a component of a historic project that seeks to enhance women’s economic empowerment, nutritional security, and rural livelihoods. The project is a component of a larger initiative to increase rural women’s capabilities by utilizing technology for the processing and value addition of underutilized crops and millets. On July 9, Khonsa West MLA Chakat Aboh officially opened the millet processing unit, which will be used as a facility specifically designed to strengthen local self-help groups (SHGs). To support food security and climate-resilient agriculture in the area, it will offer hands-on training in post-harvest processing, packing, and value addition of millets.
In collaboration with the Kindle Foundation in Khonsa, the DBT-APSCS&T Centre of Excellence for Bioresources and Sustainable Development (CoE-BRSD), Kimin, is implementing the study as part of a project authorized by the SEED division of the Union Science and Technology Department. Aboh, who spoke at the opening, urged women to utilize the facility to its fullest potential in order to investigate small-scale millet-based companies and turn it into a model of community-driven growth. She underlined that such grassroots efforts might improve household income and nutrition, especially in rural areas like Dadam. During his lecture, Tirap deputy commissioner Techu Aran highlighted the nutritional value and health advantages of millet, encouraging participants to consider millet processing as a means of earning income in addition to utilizing it as a dietary practice. In order to promote value-added millet goods, ADO Nowang Wangnow encouraged SHG members to embrace sustainable agricultural methods and establish solid market connections. DBT-APSCS&T CoE-BRSD’s Scientist-B and project investigator, Dr. Joram Aku, highlighted the long-term benefits of millet promotion for women-led businesses. She emphasized the significance of skill development and local ownership in establishing a robust, independent rural economy.
SHG members, village leaders, and local officials also attended the first session.From July 9 to 11, a workshop and practical training on millet processing and value addition took place after the inauguration. Ayang Trust’s Juri Sonowal and Dulumoni Regon trained 23 members of local Self-Help Groups in the Majuli district of Assam. Practical demonstrations of how to turn foxtail millet into cakes, laddoos, biscuits, and other marketable goods were part of the workshops. Additionally, participants received instruction in basic packaging, hygienic food preparation, and product display methods appropriate for regional markets. A final session and certificate distribution for trainers and participants marked the end of the program.
