Raipur: The National Institute of Food Technology, Entrepreneurship and Management (NIFTEM) has launched hands-on training in Jashpur to promote the use of millets in bakery products along with increasing nutritional awareness and employment opportunities.
NIFTEM trainers highlighted the importance of dietary fiber, minerals and antioxidants found in millets, and explained the multiple health benefits of their regular consumption. During the session, women participants were also informed about income-generation prospects and market demand for millet-based bakery products.
A total of 25 women from Self-Help Groups (SHGs) actively participated in the training program held at the Centre of Excellence established on Mahua in collaboration with the district administration.
The objective of the initiative is to enhance the nutritional value of bakery products such as Nankhatai, Nutri Bars and Cookies by increasing the use of millets, while simultaneously creating fresh livelihood opportunities for rural women.
In addition to production, the NIFTEM team is also providing technical support for packaging, branding and marketing of value-added food products. This effort is a key component of the Village Adoption Program, which aims to connect local communities with food processing-based entrepreneurship.
The program is being led by Prof. Prasanna Kumar G.V. and Mr. Abhimanyu Gaur, under the guidance of Dr. Harinder Singh Oberoi, Director of NIFTEM. Mission Manager Mr. Vijay Sharan Prasad and Mr. Samarth Jain, Director of Jai Jangal FPC, Jashpur, are playing a vital role in coordinating the activities and execution of the training.
