Port Blair: The CSIR-National Institute of Science Communication and Policy Research (NIScPR) recently conducted a comprehensive two-day Workshop cum Training program in collaboration with Unnat Bharat Abhiyan (UBA), Vijnana Bharati (VIBHA), Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR), and Jawaharlal Nehru Rajkeeya Mahavidyalaya (JNRM). The event, titled “Making Value Added Products Using CSIR Technologies in Andaman Region,” aimed to provide valuable training and exposure to local farmers, women self-help groups (SHGs), and aspiring entrepreneurs.
The workshop, held at Jawaharlal Nehru Rajkeeya Mahavidyalaya (JNRM) in Port Blair, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, from January 11-12, 2024, focused on leveraging CSIR Technologies to create value-added products. Participants received insights into technologies developed by various CSIR establishments, including making value-added products from Pandanus fruit, decentralized solar thermal drying of food products, dehumidified dryer technology, and managing fungus problems in betel nuts.
The program also shed light on CSIR AROMA & Floriculture Mission, various schemes of DSIR, and effective project proposal writing for funding from organizations like NABARD. More than 90 participants, predominantly young women aspiring entrepreneurs, SHGs, and FPOs, actively engaged in the workshop.
In the inaugural session, key dignitaries included Sh. Vikram Singh, Director of Agriculture and Fisheries, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Dr. Hemant Kumar Sharma, Principal, Jawahar Lal Nehru Rajkeeya Mahavidalya, Prof. Ranjana Aggarwal, Director, CSIR-NIScPR, Dr Sujata Chaklanobis, Head A2K division DSIR, Prof. Vivek Kumar, National Co-Coordinator, UBA, IIT Delhi, and Shree Shreeprasad, VIBHA.
The technical sessions covered presentations by experts from CSIR establishments, highlighting the nutritional and economic benefits of value-added products from Pandanus fruits, solar thermal drying technologies, herbal/natural products, and more. The second day delved into agro processing, social entrepreneurship, technology dissemination, and an overview of CSIR-AROMA and floriculture mission.
The valedictory session featured Smt. Archana Singh, General Manager, NABARD, emphasizing the growth and expansion of SHGs. Certificates of participation were distributed, concluding the event on a positive note.