In a significant step toward strengthening rural livelihoods and promoting women-led entrepreneurship, biodiversity conservation organisation Aaranyak conducted a two-day hands-on bakery training programme at Chandrasing Rongpi village in Kohora under the Rongmongve Block of Karbi Anglong district.
The training was led by Klarlin Tissopi and Sertalin Tissopi, founders of She Bakes in Diphu, and aimed at equipping local women with practical baking skills that could open up new income-generating opportunities from home. Eight women participated in the programme.
The first phase of the four-stage training covered the preparation of cakes, cookies, bread, buns and rusks. Participants received practical instruction in hygienic food processing, ingredient measurement, baking techniques, product finishing and quality control. They were also introduced to basic concepts of costing, pricing and small business development.
Beyond skill development, the initiative seeks to encourage the establishment of community-based bakery enterprises in Kohora, where demand for bakery products remains steady throughout the year, particularly during the tourism season.
Participant Beauty Engtipi described the training as both enjoyable and therapeutic, while also offering the possibility of earning additional income from home. Another participant, Larlin Singnarpi, expressed her ambition to start a small rural bakery serving her village and surrounding communities after completing all four phases of the programme.
The training was facilitated by Joshna Terangpi, Senior Project Officer, and Presila Terangpi, Field Volunteer, with support from the Aaranyak team. Women from Englepathar, Sarbura Singnar, Diring Lekthe and Chandrasing Rongpi villages took part in the programme. Rustom Rongpi, Rong Asar of Chandrasing Rongpi village, also extended his support to the initiative.
Through its Natural Resource Management Programme, Aaranyak works to promote sustainable and alternative livelihood opportunities for Indigenous communities while supporting biodiversity conservation across Northeast India. The bakery training programme was supported by IUCN-KfW.
The initiative marks an important beginning in strengthening local skills, expanding economic opportunities for women and fostering rural entrepreneurship in the Karbi Anglong region.
