Training programme on "Value-Addition with Honey" concludes at ICAR Manipur Centre
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, October 14 2025: A 7-Day Hands-on Training Programme on "Value-Addition with Honey" concluded today at the ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Manipur Centre, Lamphelpat.

The training programme was organised by ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Manipur Centre in association with Agri-Business Incubation Centre (ABIC), ICAR-NEHR.

The hands-on training programme was designed to promote skill development and entrepreneurship in honey-based industries, while providing practical knowledge on processing and developing value-added honey products to enhance livelihood opportunities for local beekeepers and youth.

The inaugural session, held on October 8, was graced by Dr Ch Basudha Devi, Head, Regional Centre (HORC), ICAR-RC-NEHR, Manipur Centre; Dr Sinam Yoreitomba, Deputy Director, MSME Technical Centre, Imphal; and Potsangbam Surbala Devi, Associate Professor (retired), College of Community Science, Tura, Meghalaya, as presidium members.

In the event, Dr Arati Ningombam, Senior Scientist and Principal Investigator, highlighted the importance of value addition, product diversification, and market linkages for beekeepers and honey entrepreneurs.

Participants received hands-on training in honey processing, packaging, quality testing, and preparation of value-added products.

Over the course of the programme, participants developed 11 innovative products, including passion fruit RTS and squash, pineapple RTS with mint & ginger, lemon peel candy, pineapple jam, lime ginger juice, king chilli paste and pickle, amla candy, banana chips, cassava chips, and pineapple squash using honey as natural sweetener.

Expert-led demonstrations and interactive sessions provided practical experience in product development and entrepreneurship planning.

The participants were also given knowledge on food safety, applying for FSSAI license and seeking funding support for starting a business by relevant experts.

A total of 29 participants, including beekeepers, women entrepreneurs, and rural youth from Imphal West, Imphal East, Noney, Tamenglong, Ukhrul, and Bishnupur districts, attended the training.

The valedictory ceremony, held on October 14, was graced by Khoichung Rangamlian Aimol, Director (i/c) .

Institute of Co-operative Management (ICM), Imphal, as the chief guest.

In his address, Khoichung Rangamlian Aimol appreciated ICAR Manipur Centre's efforts in promoting Skill-based training and entrepreneurship in apiculture.

He encouraged participants to apply their newly acquired skills for self-reliance and income generation.

Dr Ch Basudha, Head of Regional Centre, presided over the session and emphasised the role of scientific training in transforming local honey production into sustainable rural enterprises.

Certificates were distributed to participants by the dignitaries, marking the successful conclusion of the programme.

Comment