Rangat, Jan 7: ICAR–KVK, North and Middle Andaman organized a three-day training programme on “Processing and Value Addition in Moringa” from 5th to 7th January 2026 at Bakultala Gram Panchayat. The training was conducted in response to a formal request raised by Self Help Groups from Bakultala, Kaushalyanagar and Urmilapur Gram Panchayats during the Block Farmers Advisory Committee (BFAC) meeting. The programme was designed to address the specific skill and livelihood needs of SHG members engaged in agri-based enterprises.
The inaugural session was graced by Shri Pradeep Kumar Singh, Block Development Officer, Rangat and Smt. Shirley Thomas, Joint Director (Agriculture), Rangat as Special Guests. Dr. Manoj Kumar, In-charge, ICAR–KVK Nimbudera, welcomed the dignitaries and participants and highlighted the role of KVKs in supporting women-led enterprises through need-based capacity building. During the session, Dr. Manoj Kumar and Shri Pradeep Kumar Singh also briefly apprised the participants about the Viksit Bharat – Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) (VB-G RAM G) Act 2025, which has replaced MNREGA, focusing on the improved provisions and reforms aimed at strengthening livelihood security, without diverting from the core objectives of the training.
Mr. Yatharth Sharma, SMS (Home Science) emphasized the nutritional, economic and market potential of moringa. He highlighted the importance of skill development in moringa processing and value addition for SHG members to enhance income and promote small-scale entrepreneurship.
The training covered key technical areas including the importance and scope of moringa processing, harvesting stage and quality parameters, pre-processing practices, hygiene, sanitation and food safety, low-cost drying methods, moisture control, colour retention, agronomic biofortification, packaging materials, shelf-life enhancement, fish feed formulation from moringa leaves, and marketing strategies for moringa-based products. These sessions were conducted by Shri Yatharth Sharma, SMS (Home Science), Shri Rakesh Dawar, SMS (Agronomy), and Shri Subam Debroy, SMS (Aquaculture) using interactive and participatory methods.
Hands-on training and live demonstrations on production of moringa leaf powder formed a major component of the programme. Participants were practically trained in sorting, washing, dewatering, drying and powder preparation, which helped them clearly understand the complete processing workflow. The trainees were also guided on testing, packaging, labeling and market-oriented strategies for the final product.
The valedictory programme was attended by Smt. Sita Manjhi, Block Pramukh, Rangat as Chief Guest and Shri Keshab Kabiraj, Zilla Panchayat Member, Bakultala as Guest of Honour. SHG members shared their experiences and learning outcomes from the three-day training. The dignitaries appreciated ICAR–KVK for organizing such practical and need-based programmes and praised the SHG members for their active participation and enthusiasm.
The programme was conducted under the overall guidance of Dr. Jai Sunder, Director (Act.), ICAR–Central Island Agricultural Research Institute, Sri Vijaya Puram. About 30 SHG members participated in and benefited from the training.