Guwahati: On September 4, Aaranyak, in collaboration with CRMHS, organized a one-day food processing training program at the Community Resource Centre in Chandrasing Rongpi village, Karbi Anglong, Assam. The event aimed to equip rural women with food processing techniques to utilize readily available raw materials for commercial purposes and explore alternative livelihood options.
The training was attended by 20 local women from the Kohora and Diring River Basins. Participants were introduced to sustainable livelihood opportunities through sessions that focused on basic food safety, produce selection, preservation techniques, and value-added product development. The training emphasized using locally sourced materials while integrating traditional knowledge, ensuring relevance and sustainability.
Local experts Mina Tokbipi from Engle Pathar village and Larbin Timungpi from Bakring Engti village led the sessions, sharing their expertise in food processing. Aaranyak’s Joshna Terangpi also demonstrated processes for making pickles, jam, and chili sauce, highlighting quantification and value addition for farm products.
Protima Rongpipi from Phumen Engti village said, “The training was clear and precise. We now feel confident using the recipes, equipment, and techniques. This will help us process food, reduce waste, and improve our financial situation.”
Another participant, Merina Kramsapi from Sarbura Singnar village, expressed her gratitude, noting, “We are grateful to Aaranyak for providing this free training. It will benefit our households and boost our local economy.”
The event was supported by Aaranyak team members Joshna Terangpi, Avinash Phangcho, Sarlongki Teron, Beauty Terangpi, Abhijeet Shil, and Dhoni Rongphar. Aaranyak continues to support indigenous communities in the Kaziranga-Karbi Anglong and Manas landscapes through sustainable livelihood initiatives, with backing from IUCN-KfW and USFWS.
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