Training on “Capacity building of stakeholders on hygienic meat production and processing in NE region”
The north east India is a meat loving region where the average monthly meat consumption percentage is much higher than the national average. It is evident from the expenditure estimates which shows that in the NE states around 16.5 per cent and in mainland India only 7 percent is devoted to meat out of the total food expenditure. Considering the potential of Northeast India in the meat sector, a 3 days training programme was organized on “Capacity building for stakeholders on hygienic meat production and processing in North Eastern region of India” from 21st to 23rd August, 2017 by Division of Livestock Production, ICAR-RC for NEH Region, Umiam, Meghalaya under North-East Sub-plan ofICAR-NATIONAL RESEARCH CENTRE ON MEAT, Hyderabad. Scientists from ICAR – NRC on Meat and ICAR Research complex Barapani imparted hands-on training to the participants on hygienic meat production and value addition. A total of 30 participants from different parts of Meghalaya and Manipur joined the programme. Amongst them were members of Meghalaya meat handlers- Butcher’s Association as well who showed keen interest in the various areas covered under the programme. The primary objective of the training programme was to promote hygienic practices in the area of meat slaughter, processing and value addition which is currently one of the needs amongst the youth for self reliance. The training programme was also designed with an objective to address the true need for technical skills in meat sector to meet the huge demand of meat in the northeast region. Keeping this in view, the potential youths were trained on different areas such as Hygienic Slaughter Process, Sanitation and hygiene practices in meat plant, Product preparation like sausage, nugget, salami, pickle, etc. Total of 21 chicken and pork products were demonstrated in the program. The trainees were also taken for an exposure visit to NRC on Pig, Guwahati where hygienic methods of pig slaughter was demonstrated. In the concluding session, Dr. S.V. Ngachan, Director, ICAR (RC) NEH and Dr. K. K. Baruah, Former Director NRC on yak interacted with the participants and emphasised the importance meat processing and values addition in the NE region of India. They appreciated the initiative and coordination between ICAR- NRC on Meat and Livestock Production division of the complex and advised to take up many more activities in this line to support and improve the meat sector in the region.
