Students engage in training on value chain dev in food sector

The Department of Food Science & Technology (DFST) at Dr YS Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, is hosting a two-day training programme focused on value chain development and promotion. This initiative aims to foster value chain development in the food sector and is being conducted in collaboration with the Global Innovation Centre (GIC) in Agriculture and the Food Sector, GIZ India. The programme is targeted at postgraduate students of the DFST.

Dr Manish Sharma, Dean of the College of Horticulture, inaugurated the session and emphasised the significance of skill development in students, aimed at fostering an entrepreneurial spirit through practical training. He highlighted the importance of value chains in key crops like tomatoes, potatoes, and apples, and commended GIZ India for their efforts in strengthening the value chains of perishables in India. Dr Sharma also discussed the challenges related to technology, packaging, and long-term storage to maintain food quality and nutritional value, outlining numerous opportunities for young entrepreneurs in these areas.

The session also focused on the role of new research and business ideas in the food sector, with Dr Sanjeev Chauhan, Director of Research, engaging with students on the subject. Dr Rakesh Sharma, Head of the Department of Food Science & Technology, stressed the importance of promoting value chains to strengthen forward and backward linkages, ensure assured markets, and create a sustainable agri-food system.

Umesh Sharma, Agriculture Adviser and Master Trainer at GIZ, introduced and demonstrated the practical applications of the Value Link 2.0 Training Modules 1-3, focusing on value chain promotion and sustainable growth.

Twenty-two students from the department, along with faculty members, gained valuable insights into value chain development during the training. Over the next two days, several hands-on sessions and exercises will be conducted, covering topics like value chain analysis, tools for value chain analysis, and strategies for upgrading chains. The students will also have the opportunity to develop their own strategies, receiving expert feedback to foster entrepreneurship through enhanced skill development.