To commemorate Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav, a Government of India initiative to celebrate 75 glorious years of progressive India, its rich history, culture, and great achievements, the "Kisan Bhagidari Prathmikta Hamari" Campaign will run from April 25 to April 30.
As part of the campaign, the Ministry of Food Processing Industries organized an ODOP-based workshop on the Processing and Value addition of Walnuts in Kishtwar district, Jammu and Kashmir, under the Pradhan Mantri Formalisation of Micro Food Processing Enterprises (PMFME) Scheme.
Ashok Kumar Sharma, Deputy Commissioner of Kishtwar, officiated at the event. The ODOP workshop aimed to set the stage for all food-tech stakeholders to impart, discuss, and acquaint stakeholders with new emerging trends in food processing and technological innovation in the Kishtwar district.
The inaugural speech was delivered by Vishesh Paul Mahajan, Director, Horticulture (Planning and Marketing), Jammu and Kashmir. He emphasized the importance of the micro food processing sector as a growth driver for the Indian economy, as well as the government's efforts to encourage food processing in India through the PMFME Scheme. Sunil Singh, District Nodal Officer, Kishtwar, moderated the event.
The workshop featured eminent industry speakers who shared their insights for micro-enterprises and farmers looking to scale walnut-based products on a domestic and global scale.
Ashok Kumar Sharma, Dy. Commissioner, Kishtwar, was one of the distinguished speakers. Dr Brij Paul SMS (PP), Dept. of Horticulture, Kishtwar, spoke about the ODOP's relevance to the district. Speaking on the occasion, Deputy Commissioner Kishtwar appealed to orchardists/farmers to come forward and play a proactive role in the implementation of the departments' rolled-out schemes in order to increase the income of these farmers.
The district administration is also working on the establishment of a Model "Mandi" in the district, according to Deputy Commissioner Kishtwar. He also stated that 50 Kanals of land along the national highway in the district have been identified for the establishment of the mandi, which will provide a common platform for the display, sale, and marketing of the product, as well as provide farmers with national-level access.
Khalid Malik General Manager, DIC, Kishtwar conducted a session on “Potential Opportunities and Technologies for Micro-Entrepreneurs”
Dr. Syed Zameer Hussain, Head, Division of Food Sc. & Technology, SKUAST-K, conducted a session on “Scope and future strategies for Processing and value addition of Walnuts in J&K, particularly in District Kishtwar”.
The ODOP Workshop, part of the Kisan Bhagidari Prathmikta Hamari Campaign, is a one-of-a-kind initiative by M/o Food Processing Industries, with the support of distinguished industry experts, to educate and guide farmers in the Kishtwar District of Jammu and Kashmir in making informed decisions in order to scale up their food business in walnut processing in the current scenario.
In addition to the various eminent guest speakers, the event drew around 300 farmers, orchardists, and government officials from across the UT, as well as food processing micro-enterprises. It was also successfully streamed live, with a large turnout from all stakeholders.
