Trivandrum Don Bosco Veedu Society in partnership with Kerala Agriculture University organized one day training program on “The Value Addition of Millets” for women from two slums in Trivandrum city at Manacadu Sahayamatha Church Hall on 4th September 2023. The training was named “PONKATHIR” signifying the importance of Millets in human life. Major goal of this program was to empower women with the essential skills and knowledge required to embark on entrepreneurial ventures by production and marketing of value-added millet products. The training intended women’s skill development and entrepreneurship has been hailed as a resounding success.
Kerala Agriculture University provided technical support for the training programme. Prof. (Dr) Suma Divakar, from Agriculture University was the lead trainer. Mrs. Subi Chandran from Agriculture University took sessions. which provided participants with valuable insights into millet-based food processing, marketing and entrepreneurship. This initiative is a significant step towards promoting women’s economic empowerment and fostering entrepreneurship in the field of millet products. The success of “PONKATHIR” training program highlights the potential for women to play a pivotal role in the development and growth of the millet industry.
Rev. Fr. Jiji Kalavanal (Rector of Don Bosco Veedu), Fr. Saji Elambasseril (Director of Don Bosco Veedu), Rev. Fr. Dominic Kaniyantharayil (Asst. Director of Don Bosco Veedu), Mr. A V George (Senior Project Manager), and other staff members of Don Bosco Veedu were present and provided leadership to the training programme.