Empowering Scheduled Caste Youth: RKVY Training by Regional Research Station Bathinda for Fruit and Vegetables Value Addition

Ludhiana, August 25, 2023: To boost the skills and entrepreneurial spirit of Scheduled Caste youth's, a transformative five-day training programme was recently organized under the Rashtriya Krishi Yojana (RKVY). The initiative, which focused on value addition of fruit and vegetables, was held from 21st August to 25th August 2023 in the vicinity of PAU, Regional Research Station, Bathinda.

Dr Karmjit Singh Sekhon, Director of Regional Research Station, Bathinda, who presided as the chief guest, graced the event. In his keynote address, Dr Sekhon illuminated the participants on the promising opportunities within the food processing sector and urged them to seize the moment to forge self-employment and sustainable livelihoods.

Dr Jagdish Grover, Principal Scientist (Agricultural Engineering), Regional Research Station, Bathinda, conducted the introductory session of the training programme. Dr Grover warmly welcomed all the participants and delivered an inspiring speech, encouraging them to harness this invaluable opportunity for personal and community growth. This training programme was coordinated by Dr Gurpreet Kaur Dhillon (Food Technologist) and Dr Monika Mahajan (Biochemist), Regional Research Station, Bathinda.

Twenty participants hailing from nearby villages in the Bathinda district participated in this program. Throughout the five days, they were exposed to a comprehensive curriculum designed to empower them with practical skills and knowledge about the value addition of fruits and vegetables. During practical classes, participants were given practical demonstrations for making apple jam, lemon pickle, mango pickle, guava squash, tomato ketchup and puree etc. The event marked a significant step towards fostering economic independence and self-reliance among Scheduled Caste youth, aligning with the overarching goals of RKVY.