Horticulture Department Launches Workshop to Empower Women in Thela

The Horticulture Department, Himachal Pradesh, successfully organized a one-day training and demonstration camp on post-harvest management, processing, and value-addition techniques for fruit crops in village Thaila, under the Basantpur development block. Approximately 48 women farmers from the area actively and enthusiastically participated in the camp. The main objective of the program was to connect women with scientific fruit processing techniques, reduce post-harvest losses, and provide opportunities for increased income through value-addition.
During the training session, experts Mr. Amarjeet and Mr. Kuldeep Wazir provided participants with step-by-step, hands-on training on the entire process of making lemon and cabbage-hajar pickles, apple jam, mixed fruit jam, and rhododendron squash. They provided detailed information on raw material selection and grading, proper washing, proper cutting methods, scientific balance of sugar concentration, controlled boiling time, standard use of preservatives, sterilization process of jars and bottles, sealing, labeling, and storage techniques. Participants prepared their own products and practically assessed their quality, flavor balance, shelf life, and potential market value.
Experts also explained that fruit processing can yield 2-3 times more value than the raw product. Rural women can develop a sustainable income stream by adopting collective branding and marketing through self-help groups and farmer producer organizations. The camp also discussed cost-benefit analysis, packaging standards, basic information about FSSAI registration, and ways to connect with local and regional markets.
Fruit technologist Dr. Mala Sharma stated that the department is fully committed to the economic empowerment of women. She explained that processing-based small enterprises are an effective means of strengthening the rural economy, and the department will continue to provide training, technical guidance, and necessary support in the future. She encouraged women to move towards self-reliance by establishing group-based production units.
Dr. Sharad Gupta, Dr. Rahul Chaudhary, Mr. Devendra Thakur, and Mr. Khem Das also attended the program and emphasized the importance of adopting scientific methods. Progressive farmer Bhopal Verma expressed his gratitude to the department, stating that such training camps are proving extremely useful in skill development and income enhancement for rural women. At the conclusion of the program, participants were provided information about departmental schemes, grant provisions, and upcoming training programs.