Empowering Rural Women through Mango Processing and Value Addition

23-25 July 2025, Malda

A three-day training programme on Mango Processing and Value Addition was organized by ICAR-Krishi Vigyan Kendra (Central Institute for Subtropical Horticulture) Malda, West Bengal, under the jurisdiction of  ICAR-Agricultural Technology Application Research Institute, Kolkata, benefiting 30 rural women from Habibpur and English Bazar blocks.

The initiative aimed to equip participants with skills in mango processing and preservation, reducing post-harvest losses while enhancing income through value addition.

The programme was inaugurated by Shri Samanta Layek, Deputy Director, Horticulture, who emphasized the importance of local-level processing and post-harvest management as crucial strategies for minimizing wastage and enhancing farmers' profitability.

Dr. Pradip Dey, Director, ICAR-ATARI, Kolkata, highlighted that such trainings are a cornerstone of KVK’s mission to foster the production of export-quality mangoes in the region for the benefit of farmers.

Following the training, participants demonstrated significant improvement in confidence and skills, expressed readiness to commercialize their products, and appreciated the practical sessions. They also developed greater awareness of hygiene, packaging, and marketing aspects essential for successful food processing ventures.

To further promote nutrition and sustainability, participants were provided vegetable seeds for nutri-gardens and saplings of lemon, jamun, jackfruit, and mahogany for agroforestry.

(Source: ICAR- Agricultural Technology Application Research Institute, Kolkata)