PAKYONG, (IPR): The valedictory programme of the 15-day training on beekeeping and honey processing, organised by Sikkim State Cooperative Union (SICUN) under the Raising & Accelerating MSME Performance (RAMP) Programme of the Commerce & Industries department, was conducted at the training hall of SICUN at Assam Lingzey today.
The training programme provided the participants with an in-depth understanding of live management of honey extraction techniques, with hands-on experience and practical expertise to build entrepreneurial skills and excel in the industry.
Addressing the gathering, chief guest Yougan Tamang, press secretary to the Chief Minister, urged the participants to utilise the opportunity presented by the training and build their entrepreneurial skills in the honey processing business. He underscored the growing demand for honey in the international market, emphasising the importance of being self-reliant to strive towards achieving economic and financial empowerment through a collaborative approach.
Further, he stressed the importance of branding and consistency in honey production and assured to provide support in assisting them to enhance their business operations and provide recognition for the quality of their products.
Additionally, SICUN chairman Mangal Jit Rai extended his best wishes to the participants for completing their training programme. He underscored the role of SICUN as a platform designed to equip trainees with skill training programmes while empowering them to build careers in the future.
He then emphasised the importance of effective branding and innovative marketing strategies to enhance product sales and elevate its visibility in a competitive marketplace, stating that the quality of the product should be paramount to strive into the larger markets. Furthermore, he provided assurance to supporting the budding entrepreneurs through necessary resources to navigate their business.
Likewise, Amit Kapadia, capacity development manager, MSME, highlighted the Raising & Accelerating MSME Performance (RAMP) scheme, which aims at improving access of MSMEs to market and finance access while uplifting the livelihoods for a sustainable future.
Arpana Subedi, deputy registrar, Cooperation department, provided an overview of the various schemes designed to support and uplift Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). She stressed the importance of maintaining accurate financial records, urging the maintenance of books of account for better management and reporting in compliance with the department's requirements.
Master trainer P.K. Pradhan congratulated the participants on the completion of the training. He underlined the health benefits of honey and shared endless opportunities in the industry, further urging everyone to empower themselves and create a sustainable career through the training.
The day also witnessed a brief presentation on the training report and experience sharing, followed by a distribution of certificates to the participants.