On November 05, 2024, a one-day training program and exposure visit to the spice processing unit was organized at the ICAR-IISR Experimental Farm, Calicut, as part of the ongoing initiatives under the LIC HFL CSR project. The program aimed to enhance the knowledge and skills of farmers on value addition, processing, and marketing of black pepper and turmeric. This initiative aligns with the ongoing efforts under the LIC HFL CSR Project to promote sustainable agricultural practices, value addition, and micro-enterprise development in the spice sector, particularly for black pepper and turmeric.
The program began with a welcome and introductory session about the ICAR-IISR Experimental Farm and its activities, presented by Dr. Pavan Gowda M, Senior Technical Officer at the ICAR-IISR Experimental Farm in Calicut. The technical session, led by Dr. Alfiya P.V. (Scientist in Agricultural Structures and Process Engineering), focused on the latest technologies for value addition and marketing strategies related to pepper and turmeric. Dr. Alfiya emphasized the importance of adopting advanced processing methods to enhance income through effective value addition and strategic marketing.
After the technical session, farmers were taken on an exposure visit to the ICAR-IISR Spice Processing Unit and other facilities on the Experimental Farm. Farmers observed modern equipment and methods for cleaning, drying, and processing pepper and turmeric. The visit provided insights into practical aspects of spice value addition. Following the visit, farmers visited the spices germplasm, demonstration plots, and the spice nursery.
