Patkai, March 23 (MExN): The Sustainable Development Research Centre (SDRC) organised an awareness and motivation programme at Bundrock Auditorium, Patkai Christian College (Autonomous) on March 22.
The programme was held to create awareness about the new SFURTI Cluster and motivate stakeholders to actively engage in the development of the Nagaland Shiitake Mushroom and Other Food Processing Cluster, which is currently being implemented by SDRC in collaboration with CSIR-Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology (CSIR-IHBT) as the Technical Agency (TA), and Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) as the Nodal Agency (NA).
A press release from the centre informed that Chairman and Director, SDRC Dr Mechűselie Kehie highlighted the various facets of SFURTI cluster implementation, ranging from infrastructure development to skill enhancement and market linkage facilitation during the event.
He underscored that as part of the SFURTI initiatives, a Common Facility Centre will be set up at Seithekema, under Chümoukedima district, which would serve as a hub for Shiitake spawn production, processing, packaging, and value addition of mushroom, fruits, and vegetables.
He further informed that after the functionalisation of the cluster, the implementing agency will handover the cluster to the Special Purpose Vehicle (Nagaland SFURTI Cluster Shiitake Agri and Allied Cooperative Society Ltd.) as per SFURTI guidelines.
Mikato Shohe, the CEO of Fruit Tales also shared his journey by recounting his humble beginnings in the food-processing sector during the COVID-19 pandemic and how he transformed a cottage-based startup into a thriving enterprise.
With consumer preferences evolving and demand for healthy, convenient food options on the rise, he urged aspiring individuals to capitalise on the resources available and innovate relentlessly, the release said.
Altogether 83 participants from various project villages under Chümoukedima district attended the programme.
