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DIMAPUR — Sustainable Development Research Centre (SDRC) organised an awareness and motivation programme on March 22 at Bundrock auditorium of Patkai Christian College, Chűmoukedima.
An update from SDRC informed that the programme was organised to create awareness about the new Scheme of Fund for Regeneration of Traditional Industries (SFURTI) cluster and motivate stakeholders to actively engage in the development of the Nagaland shiitake mushroom and other food processing cluster, which are currently being implemented by SDRC in collaboration with CSIR-Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology (CSIR-IHBT) as the technical agency and Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) as the nodal agency.
Addressing the beneficiaries, Dr. Mechűselie Kehie, chairman and director of SDRC, highlighted the various facets of SFURTI cluster implementation, ranging from infrastructure development to skill enhancement and market linkage facilitation. He informed that as part of the SFURTI initiatives, a common facility centre would be set up at Seithekema under Chűmoukedima district, which would serve as a hub for shiitake spawn production, processing, packaging and value addition of mushroom, fruits and vegetables.
He further stressed that after the functionalisation of the cluster, the implementing agency would hand over the cluster to the special purpose vehicle (Nagaland SFURTI Cluster Shiitake Agri and Allied Cooperative Society Ltd.) as per SFURTI guidelines.
During the session, Mikato Shohe, CEO of Fruit Tales, shared his remarkable journey and offered motivating insights to aspiring entrepreneurs. Shohe addressed the audience by recounting his humble beginnings in the food-processing sector during the COVID-19 pandemic and how with unwavering determination, he transformed a cottage-based startup into a thriving enterprise.
With consumer preferences evolving and demand for healthy and convenient food options on the rise, he urged the aspiring individuals to capitalise on the resources available and innovate relentlessly.
The event was chaired by Lohrű Soruna and an opening prayer was said by Rev. Dr. Vichűkho Ngukha. The welcome address was delivered by Virűűzo Meyase and Neisano Chase gave the closing remarks.
Altogether, 83 participants from various project villages under Chűmoukedima district attended the programme.