Chongkham, May 23: A one-day capacity building training programme on ‘Packaging, Labelling, FSSAI Licensing, Pricing, and Legal Metrology Compliance’ was successfully organised at Chongkham, Namsai on Saturday under the Rural Mart Project sanctioned by NABARD.
The training programme was conducted by Namsai Organic Spices and Agricultural Products Producer Co Ltd (NOSAAP) in collaboration with Arunachal State Rural Livelihoods Mission (ArSRLM).
It aimed at enhancing the knowledge and entrepreneurial capacity of SHG members, FPOs, cooperatives, and rural entrepreneurs engaged in food processing and value addition activities.
Technical sessions were conducted by NOSAAP CEO Chau Athina Chauhai, covering scientific packaging methods, food labelling standards, FSSAI licensing procedures, pricing strategies, and Legal Metrology compliances for packaged food products.
Participants were guided on mandatory food labelling requirements, shelf-life enhancement, branding, and online FSSAI registration procedures through the FoSCoS portal. Practical demonstrations on food packaging techniques using sealing machines and other tools were also conducted by SHG entrepreneur Nang Tashi Chauhai, who shared her experience in packaging Khaw Tai rice and pickles for better market acceptance.
Addressing the participants, NABARD AGM (District Development) Kamal Roy emphasized the importance of proper packaging, branding, and regulatory compliance in improving consumer trust, product quality, and marketability of local products. He also encouraged SHGs and newly-formed cooperative societies to take up value addition and food processing activities through the cooperative model for sustainable livelihood development.
The programme concluded with interactive discussions and positive feedback from participants, who stated that the training significantly improved their understanding of packaging technologies, branding, and food safety compliance for better marketing of rural products.