In a collaborative effort, the CSIR-National Institute of Science Communication and Policy Research (NIScPR), Unnat Bharat Abhiyan (UBA), Vijnana Bharati (VIBHA), Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR), and Jawaharlal Nehru Rajkeeya Mahavidyalaya (JNRM) organized a two-day Workshop cum Training on ‘Making Value Added Products Using CSIR Technologies in Andaman Region.’ The event took place at Jawaharlal Nehru Rajkeeya Mahavidyalaya (JNRM), Port Blair, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, from January 11-12, 2024.
Empowering Farmers and Entrepreneurs through CSIR Technologies
Participants learned about making value-added products from Pandanus fruit, utilizing technology developed by CSIR-Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology (IHBT). Other technologies highlighted included the Decentralized Solar Thermal Dryer for Hygienic Drying of Food Products by CSIR-Central Salt and Marine Chemicals Research Institute (CSMCRI), Dehumidified Dryer Technology by CSIR-NIIST Trivandrum, and Managing Fungus Problems in Betel Nuts by CSIR-IHBT. The program also covered CSIR AROMA & Floriculture Mission, DSIR schemes, and effective project proposal writing for funding from organizations like NABARD.
Distinguished Speakers and Inaugural Session
The inaugural session was graced by Vikram Singh, Director of Agriculture and Fisheries, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, and 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, addressed the gathering.
Overwhelming Participation and Grassroots Impact
The event witnessed enthusiastic participation from more than 90 local participants, with a significant presence of young women aspiring entrepreneurs, SHGs, and FPOs. Dr. Kandimuthu, Local Coordinator of UBA, Port Blair, welcomed the audience, and Dr. Yogesh Suman, Chief Scientist, CSIR-NIScPR, emphasized the importance of joint efforts in creating rural livelihoods using CSIR technologies.
Technical Sessions Highlight CSIR Innovations
The technical sessions delved into specific technologies. Dr. Mahesh Gupta discussed value-added products from Pandanus fruits, Dr. Subarna Maiti focused on decentralized solar thermal energy applications, and Dr. K. Suresh Babu explored medicinal flora of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Day two featured sessions by Dr. V. Venugopalan on CSIR-NIIST's R & D highlights in agro-processing, and Dr. D. Shailaja on social entrepreneurship and technology dissemination at the grassroots level.
In the valedictory session, Archana Singh, General Manager, NABARD, highlighted the growth and expansion of SHGs. She commended the efforts of CSIR, UBA, DSIR, and JNRM for successfully organizing the training program, expressing confidence that the knowledge gained would empower participants to become successful entrepreneurs.
