Umiam, December 6: A three-day capacity-building cum field demonstration programme on “Small scale entrepreneurship development for tribal community of NEH region – fisherwomen and youth in Meghalaya” successfully concluded today at ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region (ICAR-NEH), Umiam. The programme, held from 4th to 6th December 2025, was organized by the ICAR–Central Institute of Fisheries Technology (ICAR-CIFT), Kochi, in collaboration with ICAR-NEH, under the ICAR-sponsored NEH Scheme.
        A total of 20 members of the Ri Bhoi Fish Farmers Producers Organization Co-operative Society Ltd. actively participated in the training. Over three days, participants were given hands-on demonstrations on preparation of various value-added fishery products including fish pickle, fish cutlet, fish ball, fish finger, and prawn chutney powder. They were also trained in utilizing fish waste for the preparation of amino acids, promoting waste-to-wealth practices.
        Technical sessions were led by experts from ICAR-CIFT, Dr. Sathish Kumar K., Scientist, and Mr. Noby Vargeese, Technical Officer, who engaged participants through interactive demonstrations. The training also covered hygienic handling, dry fish preparation, batter and breaded products, packaging, labelling, storage techniques, and regulatory compliances.
        The inaugural programme was graced by Dr. S. Hazarika, Director (A), ICAR-NEH, and Dr. A. K. Mohanty, Director, ATARI Zone VII, Meghalaya, along with senior officials and scientists from both collaborating institutions. The course was conducted under the leadership of Dr. Bindu J., Head, Fish Processing Division, ICAR-CIFT, Dr. Sajeev M. V., Principal Scientist, ICAR-CIFT, and Dr. S. Ghatak, Head, Division of Animal & Fisheries Science (DAFS), ICAR-NEH.
        The programme was coordinated by Dr. Renuka V., Senior Scientist, ICAR-CIFT, together with Dr. C. Debnath, Senior Scientist, and Dr. S. Gojendro Singh, Scientist, ICAR-NEH.
        As part of participant support and encouragement, five-litre ice boxes were distributed to all trainees. Officials also announced the establishment of a small fish processing unit under the NEH component, which will enable members of the FPO to produce value-added products on a custom-hiring basis, fostering local entrepreneurship and livelihood enhancement.
        The event concluded with a valedictory session and distribution of certificates, marking another step toward empowering tribal fisher communities in Meghalaya through skill development and small-scale fish processing initiatives.