Three-Day Fruit and Vegetable Processing Training for Youth Entrepreneurship Skill Development Concludes

The successful conclusion of the three-day Fruit and Vegetable Processing Training was held at the Research Directorate of Maharana Pratap University of Agriculture and Technology, Udaipur. The training was conducted under the guidance of the Central Institute for Women in Agriculture, Bhubaneswar (Odisha) as part of the All India Coordinated Women in Agriculture Research Project, focusing on “Promoting Gender Equality through Technical Intervention and Entrepreneurship Development.”

Training In-charge Dr. Vishakha Singh shared that enthusiastic participation was received from young women from both rural and urban areas of Udaipur district. Participants were given practical knowledge on processing various seasonal fruits and vegetables, including tomato ketchup, tomato puree, garlic pickle, raw mango pickle, mushroom pickle, garlic-kachri chutney, and mixed vegetable instant pickle.

Experts provided detailed guidance on processing, packaging, labeling, marketing, labor management, government schemes, industry setup procedures, and necessary licensing. Training coordinator Dr. Sumitra organized visits for participants to the university’s Garlic Processing Unit, Tomato Processing Plant, and Bakery Unit, giving them real industry experience.

Project coordinator Dr. Vishakha Bansal highlighted financial support possibilities for women through self-help groups and encouraged them to organize and start their own businesses.

The chief guest, Director Dr. Arvind Verma, reviewed the products made by trainees and motivated them to become self-reliant by starting their own enterprises.

Participants Mrs. Chanda Devi and Ms. Shanta Meghwal shared their experiences, expressing that the training gave them a strong direction towards self-reliance, and they will use the knowledge gained to advance on the path of economic empowerment.

All participants received a training kit containing aprons, gloves, head covers, chef knife sets, vegetable seeds, and booklets on food processing and government schemes.

The successful organization of the training saw special contributions from young professionals Dr. Sneha Jain, Deepali Chandwani, Bhavna, and Gaurav.