ITANAGAR, Oct 17: Aiming at livelihood generation and social inclusion of People with Substance Use Disorder (PWSUD), a two-month Skill Development Training Program on ‘Organic Grower’ for rehabilitation of youth got underway at the Drug De-addiction cum Rehabilitation Centre (DDAC), SudharGhar, Lekhi in Papum Pare district today.
The initiative is being implemented under the Mukhya Mantri Nasha Mukt Yojana (MMNMY) by the Arunachal Pradesh Drug De-addiction Society (APDDAS), Directorate of Health Services (DHS), Department of Health & Family Welfare, in collaboration with the Dept of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (DSDE).
The DDAC Lekhi has been selected for the pilot phase of this initiative, covering 40 trainees under the Organic Grower job role.
Speaking on the occasion, Secretary SDE Bullo Mamu highlighted that the department is committed to inclusive skill development across all sections of society, including vulnerable groups such as individuals undergoing rehabilitation. She stated that the program will empower the trainees with practical skills in organic farming, helping them rebuild their lives, achieve economic independence, and prevent relapse post-treatment. She also noted that since agriculture is integral to the lifestyle of Arunachal Pradesh, this initiative will provide a natural and sustainable livelihood pathway.
The Secretary further assured that both the Departments will closely monitor the training to assess outcomes and identify improvements for future interventions.
Addressing the gathering, Director Health Services Dr Marbom Basar emphasized the significance of skill development in nation building. He underscored that good health and livelihood are interlinked and essential for a productive and self-reliant society.
Aditya Ranjan, representative of the Training Partner empanelled with DSDE, introduced the Organic Grower job role, elaborating on its components, benefits, assessment, certification process, and the scope for post-training employment and entrepreneurship in sustainable agriculture and farm management.
Hosted by Dr K M Lombi, Asstt State Project Officer APDDAS, the event started with a welcome address by Dr Komling Perme, Jt DHS-cum-State Project Officer APDDAS. Dr Perme highlighted the objective of integrating skill development into the rehabilitation process, enabling patients to gain productive livelihood opportunities through organic farming.
The program was also attended by Director SDE Sibo Passing, and Senior Consultant Angshu Yadav, along with officials from APDDAS and DHS.