Mysore/Mysuru: CSIR-CFTRI (Central Food Technological Research Institute) and GRAAM (Grassroots Research and Advocacy Movement) had signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Aug. 20, 2020 to provide a mutual technical-social collaboration to establish rural livelihood initiatives in India. 

As part of the MoU, CFTRI will extend the technology transfer of two products — Convenience flour suitable for Stiff Porridge (Ragi Mudde Mix) and Malted weaning food (Ragi Shishuposhan) — through technical training to the women entrepreneurs of Bilikere women collective Asare Sanjeevini Food Products. 

Week-long training was conducted by Dr. Usha Dharmaraj and team from CFTRI, who has an expertise in processing of millets and pseudo cereals, weaning food, etc. 

About 14 women from Asare Sanjeevini Food Products participated in the training programme from Jan. 18 to 23 and learnt the process involved in preparing the above two products for their social business initiative at Bilikere. The training was held at CFTRI. 

Upon successful completion of week-long hands-on training, a valedictory and certificate distribution programme was held on Jan. 23 at CFTRI. 

Executive Director of GRAAM Dr. Basavaraju R. Shreshta, Director of CFTRI Dr. Sridevi Annapurna Singh, Head of TTBD at CFTRI Dr. Rajeshwar Matche, Dr. Usha Dharmaraj and Dr. Satyendra Rao from CFTRI and the staff of CFTRI and GRAAM were present on the occasion. 

Susheela, Project Director, ZP (Zilla Panchayat), Mysuru and Girish, Executive Office of Taluk Panchayat, Hunsur and NRLM (National Rural Livelihood Mission) field staff were also part of the programme apart from the aspiring women entrepreneurs of Asare Sanjeevini. 

Director of CFTRI, Dr. Sridevi Annapurna Singh, expressed that empowering women will empower the family thereby empower the nation. She appreciated the efforts of GRAAM and said that CFTRI will always be open to extend any technical support in making the initiative a successful one.

Dr. Basavaraju thanked CFTRI for joining hands with GRAAM in its social initiative and agreeing to extend its support in such future initiatives. Dr. Rajeshwar Matche welcomed. Dr. Usha Dharmaraj compered.