Shillong, July 29: More than 100 families from Mawjam village in Mawkynrew Block, East Khasi Hills, have successfully completed a government-supported food processing skill development programme aimed at promoting rural entrepreneurship and sustainable livelihoods.
The three-month Multi Skill Food Processing Technician Training programme was conducted by FMA Outreach Shillong with financial assistance from the Meghalaya State Skill Development Society (MSSDS). The initiative benefited residents of Mawjam and nearby Khapmaw village in the War Mawkynrew region.
Despite the challenging terrain, the FMA Outreach Shillong team travelled to the remote villages to provide government-recognised vocational training. The programme was led by Sister Garnet Sutnga and Sister Janicia Nongrum, under the supervision of MSSDS official Kong Parksiar Nongkhlaw.
Participants received hands-on training in food processing techniques, including the preparation of fruit juices and other value-added products using locally cultivated agricultural produce. The course also covered various aspects of food preparation and processing designed to create self-employment and income-generating opportunities.
The programme attracted enthusiastic participation from women, youth and other villagers, many of whom described it as their first opportunity to receive structured, government-supported vocational training. Several trainees expressed confidence that the newly acquired skills would help them establish small businesses and improve household incomes.
Mawjam village headman Bah Krispin Suting also took part in the training, working alongside the FMA team to encourage wider community participation.
During the concluding ceremony, certificates jointly issued by FMA Outreach Shillong and endorsed by MSSDS were presented to representatives of more than 100 families, recognising the successful completion of the programme.
Addressing the gathering, Sister Janicia Nongrum and Sister Garnet Sutnga emphasised the importance of applying the skills gained through the training to improve livelihoods and promote local entrepreneurship.
Representing MSSDS, Kong Parksiar Nongkhlaw highlighted the various skill development initiatives being implemented by the state government and encouraged women and youth to take advantage of government-supported programmes that promote entrepreneurship and sustainable rural development.
The certificate distribution ceremony was attended by Mawkynrew MDC Bah Seiborlang Warbah, who lauded FMA Outreach Shillong for bringing quality skill development programmes to remote villages in the War Mawkynrew region.
Warbah urged the trainees, particularly women and young people, to make practical use of the knowledge they had acquired and identify suitable markets for their products based on consumer demand. He also noted that the War Mawkynrew region possesses significant potential for organic farming, with many local farmers already cultivating fruits and vegetables without chemical inputs.
He further praised the Meghalaya Government for extending developmental and skill enhancement opportunities to rural communities through initiatives that empower local residents with sustainable livelihood skills.
