NIFTEM Village Adoption Programme

Village adoption is a unique program conceptualized by NIFTEM for its students, with a view to sensitize and educate them of the problems and practices of the farmers at the grass root level. The aim is to help the Indian Food Processing sector accomplish its objective of all- inclusive growth and facilitate the process of integrating the underprivileged sections of our population with the main stream economy
The 21st century is an era of knowledge management for accelerated socio-economic development. The issues of food security, food safety, food quality and their linkages with poverty, as defined in the Millennium Development Goals will become more challenging as demand for food increases in national and international markets. Although India is the world's second largest producer of food next to China but accounts for less than 1.2% of International Food Trade, the potential for growth indeed is vast. The Parliamentary standing committee on agriculture has recently emphasized on a 'National long term Food Processing Policy' which will facilitate the industry in a comprehensive, scientific and professional manner to set benchmarks and guidance in order to help the Indian Food Processing Industry emerge as a sunshine sector for the country's economy.

 

NIFTEM village adoption program is planned to address the issues at the village level which needs immediate attention on issues on post-harvest management, food processing and value addition of agricultural produce. It will help to energize the rural economy and slow down the rural – urban migration which will lead to overall development of the village.

 

This is where the Village Adoption Programme of NIFTEM is most relevant, to help the Indian food processing sector accomplish its objective of all-inclusive growth and facilitate the process of integrating the underprivileged sections of our population through:

1. Overall development of the village through promoting rural entrepreneurship in food sector.

2. Integration of Village-State Administration Network.

3. Creating long term associations by nursing the village for four years.

4.Two way knowledge exchange between students and village people.

5. Other social concerns will also be addressed by initiating and expanding the   activities.

 

     Steps in the Village Adoption Process:

• The students shall have to identify a village and establish a work plan at the beginning of the first semester and work during the semester for 10-12 days at the village site.
• The students will work in a group under the guidance of a mentor faculty and will develop realistic village development plan for 4 years including identification of local resources and avenues for promoting entrepreneurship in food processing sector.
• Sensitize & train the farmers & local youth about Food Processing and its advantages- Encourage farmers & local youth to form producer’s company & establish small Food Processing Units.
• Provide access and training programs to farmers through KVK (Krishi Vigyan Kendra) which disseminates information on Agricultural technologies which are cost effective.
• Prepare a catalogue of traditional food production practices/ food preservation/ traditional recipes of food, etc.
• Imparting trainings on basic processing and value addition techniques for enhancement of shelf life, etc.
• Promote Good Agricultural Practices (GAP).
• Conduct an extensive survey of the village & record demographics and prepare a data base.
• Organize resources - By providing vital linkages, micro credits, Govt. Policies.
• Prepare and present report at the end of each semester.

                        Group during VAP

Group helping the new entrepreneur  in marketing of pickles.