Model Millet Project inaugurated at Amkachi

HT Bureau

DIPHU, Jan 23: A 15-day ginger processing training, inauguration of Model Millet Project (MMP) and skill upgradation of weavers started from Monday at Amkachi CFC hall.

The training programme is organised by Amri Helping Hand Society (AHHS).

Inauguration of MMP under Farm Sector Promotion Fund (FSPF), skill upgradation of weavers under Livelihood and Enterprise Development Programme (LEDP) was funded by NABARD.

Valediction of trainees, who had undergone training on ginger processing under Micro Enterprise Development Programme (MEDP) was also taken up during the inaugural programme.

The programme was attended by DDM NABARD Karbi Anglong, Bendang Aier; director Jirsong Asong, Diphu, Fr. Thankachan and incharge Handloom & Textile West Karbi Anglong Mensing Bey. There were 100 farmers taking up the model millet project at Amkachi in Amri Block.

The MEDP on ginger processing was funded by NABARD for 30 beneficiaries to undergo 15 days of training. The LEDP on skill upgradation of weavers will be for 90 participants with a 15-day training and necessary market linkage support being extended by AHHS, explained the AHHS.

The MMP will cover 50 farmers for the first year with grant support under Farm Sector Promotion Fund (FSPF) by NABARD.

As the world celebrates the International Year of Millet 2023, inauguration of MMP is viewed as an important step towards popularising millet cultivation and doubling farmer’s income by adding value to the final product. AHHS also presented the millet song during the inaugural session.

DDM, NABARD, Karbi Anglong, Bendang Aier in his speech explained the importance of the millet and NABARD’s willingness for constant support to the farmers in order to double their income. He also informed the gathering that NABARD Assam Regional Office has sanctioned 23 MMP in 23 districts including West Karbi Anglong.

The MMP is being sanctioned in West Karbi Anglong for the Amri Development Block which will be implemented by Amri Helping Hands Society. During the inauguration of MMP, the DDM, NABARD Karbi Anglong also distributed millet seed samples to the beneficiaries. He also said that the farmers’ contribution is the backbone of MMP.

Aier also briefed about the importance of equipping the trainees with skills, credit linkage, subsidy and requested the NGO AHHS along with the SHG’s to work on a banking plan for the trained participants.

Director Jirsong Asong, Fr. Thankachan expressed their views and encouraged the beneficiaries to grow millet.

Incharge Handloom & Textile, West Karbi Anglong, Mensing Bey in his inaugural speech of skill upgradation training of weavers under LEDP explained the various livelihood opportunities available to the weavers through the Handloom & Textile Department.

He also assured the beneficiaries of various schemes that can be availed through the department once they are trained and get certification.

President AHHS, Binolin Phangchopi, expressed her gratitude towards NABARD Assam Regional Office for the support and belief in AHHS and the beneficiaries. She also informed the gathering on the progress of the credit linkage for the trained participants through various financial institutions. She further expressed her gratitude towards the beneficiaries of the MMP for the willingness to participate in the project.

During the inaugural programme certificates were distributed to the trainees, who had undergone a 15 day training on ginger processing under MEDP.

Mirbin Tokbipi, a trainee and a member of the participating SHG expressed her gratitude to NABARD and AHHS and shared her experience of the training. The trainees also presented ginger paste, ginger candy and ginger powder prepared during the training programme.