Suttur, September 6, 2026: A three-day special training programme on “Processing of Agricultural and Horticultural Crops and Entrepreneurship Opportunities for Farmers” was organised at ICAR-JSS Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Suttur, from September 3 to 5, 2026.
The programme was jointly organised by ICAR-JSS Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Suttur, and NAVIC Krishi Navodhya Poshan Kendra – Entrepreneurship Development Programme, B.A.S. – National Institute of Veterinary Epidemiology and Informatics, Bengaluru. The training was aimed at creating awareness among farmers, women farmers and members of self-help groups about scientific processing, value addition and entrepreneurship opportunities in the agricultural and horticultural sectors.
Presiding over the programme, Dr. B. N. Gyanesh, Senior Scientist and Head, ICAR-JSS Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Suttur, said that agricultural and horticultural crops form the mainstay of farmers’ livelihoods and the rural economy. He observed that instead of selling fruits, vegetables, grains, pulses, spices and other agricultural produce in raw form, farmers could earn higher incomes by scientifically processing them and converting them into value-added products. He added that processing was particularly beneficial for fruits and vegetables with a short shelf life and could provide farmers with better income opportunities.
Speaking as the chief guest, Dr. Suman K. M., Assistant Business Manager, said that NAVIC Krishi Navodhya Poshan Kendra, Bengaluru, would provide the necessary guidance, support and information related to the processing, value addition and entrepreneurship development of agricultural and horticultural products to self-help groups, women farmers and rural entrepreneurs.
Dr. Suman emphasised the importance of acquiring technical knowledge in areas such as product development, quality management, packaging, branding and market linkages for establishing small-scale enterprises based on agricultural products.
Dr. Pooja, Technical Assistant, NAVIC Krishi Navodhya Poshan Kendra, Bengaluru, said that women should become self-reliant and economically empowered through entrepreneurship. She urged women to make effective use of the various opportunities available under the Sanjeevini Yojana.
Addressing the participants, resource person Dr. Rashmi H. B., Associate Professor, College of Horticulture, Mysore, said that adopting appropriate post-harvest management practices was essential to reduce losses. She stressed the need for harvesting crops at the right stage, scientific sorting and grading, maintaining cleanliness, proper packaging, an efficient cold-chain system, scientific storage and good transportation facilities.
She further said that during periods of reduced market demand, processing surplus agricultural and horticultural produce into value-added products was an effective way to minimise losses and improve farmers’ income.
Dr. Deepak, Subject Matter Specialist in Home Science at KVK, provided technical information to women farmers on the scientific processing and value addition of agricultural and horticultural crops. He explained various methods for reducing post-harvest losses, including maintaining cleanliness, sorting, grading, drying, processing, preservation and proper packaging of raw produce.
He said that locally available fruits, vegetables and other agricultural produce could be converted into value-added food products to improve their quality, shelf life and market value.
As part of the training programme, participants were provided hands-on practical training at the Food Processing Unit of Krishi Vigyan Kendra. Demonstrations were conducted on the preparation of several value-added food products, including sapota jam, banana flour, beetroot halwa, ragi laddu, tomato sauce, various bakery products and other snacks.
Dr. Deepak welcomed the gathering, Smt. Divya H. V. presented the address, and Dr. Vinay proposed the vote of thanks.
More than 50 women farmers and members of self-help groups participated in the three-day training programme and gained practical knowledge about the processing and value addition of agricultural and horticultural crops, as well as the entrepreneurship opportunities available in the sector.