A five-day Skill Enhancement Training on Mithun-Based Enterprises and Value Addition of Horticultural Crops for Sustainable Livelihoods recently concluded at ICAR–National Research Centre on Mithun (ICAR–NRCM) in Medziphema.
Organised from August 10–14, 2026, the training was conducted by ICAR–NRCM in collaboration with ICAR–KVK Phek, ICAR–KVK Dimapur, and ICAR–NEH Region, Nagaland Centre, with technical support from ICAR–Central Institute of Horticulture (CIH), Medziphema. The programme aimed to equip farmers with the necessary skills to enhance their livelihoods through sustainable agricultural practices.
Thirty farmers, consisting of 15 males and 15 females, from six villages in Phek district, namely Phek Town, Porba, Pfutsero, Khezakeno, Tsupfume, and Middle Khomi, attended the training. The training sessions focused on various aspects, including Mithun-based enterprises, integrated farming, post-harvest management, value addition of crops, natural farming, and entrepreneurship.
Participants gained hands-on experience in preparing various value-added products, such as pickles, candies, RTS, jam, and jelly, as well as Mithun meat and milk products. Exposure visits to the Mithun farm, integrated farming facilities, and Khonoma Mithun Conservation Unit further enhanced their practical knowledge.
During the valedictory programme, Dr. Girish Patil S., director of ICAR–NRCM, emphasized the importance of value addition in agricultural, horticultural, and animal-based products, highlighting its potential to generate entrepreneurship and employment opportunities. He encouraged the farmers to utilise the skills gained during the training and explore locally suitable enterprises.
The programme concluded with a Farmer–Scientist Interaction, where participants interacted with scientists and experts in the field, and certificates were distributed to all participants.
