Dimapur, Feb. 25 (EMN): Agricultural Technology Management Agency (Atma), Mokokchung, conducted a two-day state farmers training on February 18 and 19 on “Value addition of agricultural and horticultural crops” at Dimapur.
An update from Atma Mokokchung stated that a total of ten farmers along with seven Atma staff led by its deputy project director Sentinaro Longchar attended the training.
It stated that on February 18, a demonstration on value addition and food processing was conducted by Neisetuonuo Debbie, horticulture officer, and Sapong, assistant technical expert from State Horticulture Nursery, department of Horticulture, Dimapur, as the resource persons. The trainees were taught to make pineapple juice, tomato sauce, mushroom pickle, various preservation methods and up skilled their knowledge on packaging and bottle sterilisation.
The farmers were also taken to the Medicinal and Aromatic Unit at Sugar Mill Village, 5th Mile, where the unit proprietor K Nihokhu Chophi displayed various medicinal and aromatic plants like Tulsi, Lemongrass, Kalmech etc. and the process to manufacture green herbal tea. His son, Azupa N Chophi, who owns an Areca leaf plate processing unit, gave a brief tour and knowledge on how his unit is operated.
Later, they were taken to AC Market at the Agri Expo site.
On February 19, the farmers were taken to Pristine Foods, owned by Apulle Phesao, for training on various fruit candies processing and juice making. Phesao highlighted the importance of food preservation without any wastage and explained her recipes on various candy and juice making. She further encouraged the farmers for better packaging as it has higher value in the market.
