Shillong Nov, 27: Jyntru Village, Ri Bhoi District, The Science Technology and Innovation (STI) Hub at Martin Luther Christian University (MLCU), in collaboration with the Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, organized a one-day capacity building program 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, aimed at enhancing the livelihoods of farmers and promoting sustainable practices.
The program, held in celebration of the 3rd Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas or National Tribal Day, took place at Jyntru Village, Ri Bhoi District. Mr. Paia L Mawlong, Branch Manager of Meghalaya Rural Bank, Nongpoh Branch, served as the resource person. Mr. Mawlong highlighted the crucial role farmers play in the community and discussed strategies for increasing their livelihoods through the value addition of their cultivated crops. Addressing the gathering, Mr. Mawlong emphasized 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 programs provided by both State and Central Governments to support farmers, many remain unaware of such initiatives. Mr. 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 program. Dr. Melodynia Marpna, Principal Investigator of the project and Head of the Department of Nutrition and Dietetics at MLCU, and Mr. Moses Syngkli, Headman of Jyntru Village, Ri-bhoi, were also present at the event.
The initiative aligns with the Government of India 39 declaration of 15th November as Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas or National Tribal Day, commemorating the birth anniversary of Bhagwan Birsa Munda.
