The office of the Deputy Director of Agriculture (Fruit Preservation) in Assam runs the scheme to disseminate techniques for preparing preserved items like Jam, Jelly, Pickles, Squash, Sauce, Chutney from seasonal fruits and vegetables. Trainings are conducted both at field levels and in centers. The scheme currently comprises 21 Centers covering 19 districts (with the Diphu center under District council control), each headed by a Sub-Divisional Agricultural Officer (SDAO). Since its inception, the centers have gained popularity among the public, particularly women, and have benefited local ladies’ groups, organizations, and NGOs. The centers also generate revenue deposited into the Government account.
Benefits
• Facilitate preservation of fruits and vegetables for ladies and housewives
• Enable home scale preservation under expert technical supervision for lean periods
• Encourage production of value-added produce (Jam, Jelly, Squash, Juice, Sauce, Chutney, Pickles) at nominal charges
• Provide training programs of 1, 3, and 6 days for home scale preservation
• Offer training for starting small scale cottage industries with courses of 7 to 15 days
• Issue certificates to enable beneficiaries to launch their own enterprise
Eligibility
• Training available for ladies and housewives via organizations like Mahila Samity, SHG, and College groups in rural areas
• Training for starting cottage industries in fruits and vegetables for self employment
• Provision of certificates to trained individuals to start their own enterprise
Application Process
Offline
• Contact the respective district Community Canning and Training Center
• Or approach the Director of Agriculture (F.P) Assam, Ulubari, Guwahati-07
Documents Required
• Aadhaar Card
• Voter Card
• PAN Card
• Valid Bank Account details
• Other documents as per the respective district Community Canning and Training Center
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is preservation of fruit in horticulture?
A: It refers to the process of converting seasonal fruits into long-lasting preserved products.
Q: What is the status of horticulture in Assam?
A: Horticulture in Assam is evolving with initiatives like this scheme enhancing local expertise.
Q: What are the high value crops in Assam?
A: The scheme primarily focuses on fruits and vegetables suitable for value-added processing.
Q: What is canning in fruit preservation?
A: It is the process of sealing food in airtight containers to extend its shelf life.
Q: What are the 4 ways of preserving fruits?
A: Common methods include canning, drying, freezing, and pickling.
Q: Which state is no 1 in horticulture?
A: This varies over time; specific rankings may be available from current horticultural reports.
Q: What are the requirements for horticulture in Assam?
A: Requirements include technical know-how, access to processing facilities, and market support.
Q: What is the national fruit of Assam?
A: Assam does not have a designated national fruit; however, local fruits play a key role in regional horticulture.
Q: Which crop is the largest producer in Assam?
A: Detailed production statistics vary; local reports provide the most current figures.
Q: Which fruit crop is considered high value?
A: Value is determined by market demand and processing potential, typically including fruits used in preserves.
Q: What are the 2 types of canning?
A: Generally, water bath canning and pressure canning are the primary methods used.