A training programme to promote value addition and enhance the skills of Self Help Groups (SHGs) in Sankiton village under Wokha district was conducted under the initiative of the Nagaland State Rural Livelihoods Mission (NSRLM), Wozhuro Block.

The programme was facilitated by the Block Area Coordinator (Livelihoods–Farm), Yanthanroni P. Yanthan, with Certified Food Processor, Youhana Murry, as the resource person. Murry represented “Yuthi Delight”, a brand recently launched by the District Administration, Wokha. The training was held at the Sankiton community hall.

Sankiton village’s Producer Group has taken up banana as its main component, and the training focused on value addition, market linkages, and the utilisation of banana for creating by-products.

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The trainer demonstrated the preparation of banana stem juice, known for its health benefits such as aiding the removal of kidney stones, detoxifying the body, and improving digestion. Participants were also trained in making banana chips, banana flower pickle, and dried banana candy.

The villagers expressed appreciation to the department and the trainer for imparting valuable knowledge on value-added products. They shared that previously, banana stems were mainly used as pig feed, but through the training, they learned that by-products from the banana plant can serve as an additional source of income and help sustain their livelihoods, ensuring that nothing goes to waste.