The fourth phase of the PM POSHAN training-cum-cooking competition was launched in Mon for government school cooks.
DIMAPUR — The fourth phase of the Prime Minister's Overarching Scheme for Holistic Nourishment (PM POSHAN) cook-cum-helpers training-cum-cooking competition was launched at the Town Council Hall in Mon on July 13.
The two-day training programme, which concluded on Tuesday, marked the continuation of the state-level capacity-building initiative for Mid-Day Meal (MDM) Cook-cum-Helpers serving government schools across Nagaland, according to an official update.
Phase IV of the programme is being conducted from July 13 to the 27th across the districts of Mon, Longleng, Tuensang, Noklak, Shamator, and Zunheboto, providing nearly 1,900 cook-cum-helpers with practical training on safe, hygienic, and nutritious cooking practices.
Addressing the gathering during the inaugural, Director of the Community Educational Centre Society (CECS) Subonenba Longkumer highlighted the objectives of the PM POSHAN training programme, pointing out the importance of preparing safe, nutritious, and hygienic meals for school children.
He noted that the training initiative has covered all 12 districts of Nagaland over the past two years. He also shared that CECS has been partnering with the Department of School Education for the past five years in implementing the PM POSHAN Scheme through its centralised kitchen, which currently provides meals to 14 schools in Dimapur.
Also read: Women SHGs earn INR 30.8 lakh under Nagaland University poultry project
On the first day of the programme, Senior Sub-Divisional Education Officer (Sr. SDEO) of Mon, Nyulen Phom, delivered the keynote address. She highlighted that the role of cook-cum-helpers extends far beyond preparing meals, as they play a vital role in promoting the health, well-being, and learning of school children.
The keynote address on the second day was delivered by District Education Officer (DEO) of Mon, Rose Ngulie. She stressed that children should enjoy their meals and feel motivated to attend school every day. She also encouraged the use of locally available vegetables in Mon while preparing midday meals to ensure students receive nutritious and healthy food.
The technical sessions were led by Chef Supong Longkumer, an entrepreneur and culinary professional certified by Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh.
Through live cooking demonstrations and interactive sessions, he trained participants on food safety, hygiene, nutrition, and practical techniques for preserving the nutritional value of food prepared in school kitchens.
Following the Mon training, the programme will continue across Longleng, Tuensang, Noklak, Shamator, and Zunheboto districts. The remaining sessions will feature hands-on practical training, cooking competitions, and knowledge-sharing activities designed to strengthen the skills and confidence of cook-cum-helpers serving under the PM POSHAN Scheme.