A five-day workshop on “Processing & Marketing Skill Development in the Food Processing Sector” concluded successfully on 26th August 2022 at Hotel Vinayak, Siliguri. Organized under the aegis of Sishabari Mahila Udyog FIG, and led by Himalayan Organic Life, the workshop was sponsored by the Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI) and brought together over 70 participants from across the Darjeeling hills and plains.
Jointly conducted by the National Institute of Food Technology, Entrepreneurship & Management – Thanjavur (NIFTEM) and Sishabari Mahila Udyog FIG, a women-led Farmers’ Interest Group, the workshop focused on building capacity in commercial food processing—ranging from the making and packaging of sauces, fruit squashes, jams, jellies, and pickles.
The event saw enthusiastic participation from local entrepreneurs, financial institutions, District MSME officials, FSSAI, and food industry experts, all united by the goal of developing the region’s untapped potential in food processing.
The Himalayan region, including Darjeeling and Kalimpong, is home to a wealth of horticultural produce, indigenous herbs, and unique fruits. However, due to limited processing infrastructure and market linkages, much of the produce either goes to waste during surplus seasons or is sold fresh without value addition.
Recognizing this challenge, Mr. Bishist Pradhan and Mrs. Anamika Bhujel, co-founders of Himalayan Organic Life, have taken an active initiative to create sustainable livelihoods by promoting food preservation techniques such as drying, powdering, pickling, and canning. These methods offer farmers and entrepreneurs the ability to extend shelf life, reduce wastage, and tap into wider markets across India and globally.
Speaking on the occasion, Mrs. Anamika Bhujel, also the Secretary of Sishabari Mahila Udyog FIG, emphasized the importance of supporting women entrepreneurs and home-based food ventures. “We aim to build a robust local ecosystem that not only trains but also connects aspiring food entrepreneurs with institutions, banks, and markets,” she said.
Mr. Bishist Pradhan, who coordinated the event, reiterated the role of Himalayan Organic Life in enabling grassroots capacity building and highlighted the importance of continuing such workshops to catalyze rural enterprise.
The organizers expressed heartfelt gratitude to MoS Shri. Prahlad Singh Patel ji, Hon’ble MP Darjeeling Shri. Raju Bista Ji, and MLA Siliguri Dr. Shankar Ghosh for their continued support. Special thanks were extended to Dr. Sandeep Janghu, Director of NIFTEM-Thanjavur, and Assistant Professor NIFTEM-Guwahati, for sharing their expertise.
This workshop marks a significant step forward in the vision of Himalayan Organic Life—to transform the Himalayan region through sustainable, women-led entrepreneurship in organic food processing.