The Office of Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Jaintia Hills, organised a one-day Capacity Building and Skill Development Programme on Post-Harvest Management of Buckwheat on 1^st  September 2026 at the Training Hall of KVK Jaintia Hills, Moopun, Wahiajer. The programme was attended by a total of 116 participants, including farmers and other stakeholders.

The programme was chaired by Smti. B. Kharbamon, Subject Matter Specialist (Horticulture), KVK Jaintia Hills, who extended a warm welcome to all the participants and resource persons.

The welcome address and keynote speech were delivered by Dr. A. Dympep, Subject Matter Specialist (Agricultural Extension), KVK Jaintia Hills. In her address, she welcomed the participants and encouraged the farmers to actively participate in the technical sessions and make the best use of the knowledge and information shared by the resource persons from different organisations. She emphasised the importance of acquiring appropriate technical knowledge for improving farm practices, reducing post-harvest losses and enhancing the value of agricultural produce.

The programme consisted of five technical sessions, delivered by resource persons from different organisations and a progressive farmer:

1. Package of Practices and Post-Harvest Management of Buckwheat

The first technical session was delivered by Dr. A. Dympep, Subject Matter Specialist (Agricultural Extension), KVK Jaintia Hills, on the package of practices and post-harvest management of buckwheat. The session covered important aspects of buckwheat cultivation and appropriate post-harvest practices to ensure better handling, storage and quality of the produce.

2. Post-Harvest Management Practices

The second technical session was delivered by Smt. Eleonora Shylla, Directorate of Food Processing, who elaborated on various post-harvest management practices. She highlighted the importance of proper handling, processing and storage of agricultural produce to minimise post-harvest losses, maintain quality and improve the marketability of farm products.

3. Overview of PRIME Meghalaya

The third session was conducted by Smti. Lakynti Marbaniang, PRIME Meghalaya, who provided an overview of PRIME Meghalaya and its various interventions. She highlighted opportunities available to farmers and entrepreneurs through initiatives such as CM-Elevate, business ventures, academia and partnerships, among others. She further informed the participants about the availability of various schemes and encouraged them to apply through the Meghalaya One portal.

4. Value Addition, Branding, Labelling and Food Packaging

The fourth technical session was delivered by Shri Vicky Lanong, PRIME Meghalaya, on value addition and the importance of branding, labelling and proper food packaging. He explained the importance of nutritional testing for food products and discussed the key and mandatory information required for food labels. He also provided information on nutrition labelling and the documents required for FSSAI registration, thereby creating awareness among the participants about the requirements for marketing processed and value-added food products.

5. Benefits and Opportunities in Buckwheat Cultivation

The fifth technical session was delivered by Shri Paia Myliempdah, a farmer and President of the Shalyntem ki Nongrep Society, Lyngiong, East Khasi hills who shared his practical experiences and insights on the benefits and opportunities associated with buckwheat cultivation. He highlighted the use of suitable machinery for buckwheat production, the potential for integrating beekeeping with buckwheat cultivation, and other income-generating opportunities associated with the crop. He also encouraged the participants to adopt crop rotation and use organic fertilisers to maintain soil health and promote sustainable farming practices.

The programme witnessed enthusiastic participation from the farmers, providing them with an opportunity to enhance their knowledge and skills in buckwheat production, post-harvest management, value addition, branding, labelling, food packaging and entrepreneurship. The programme also created awareness about various government schemes, institutional support and entrepreneurial opportunities available to farmers for improving farm income and strengthening agri-based enterprises.

The programme concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Shri M. Kharbuli, Farm Manager, KVK Jaintia Hills, who expressed his gratitude to all the resource persons, participating farmers, officials and stakeholders for their valuable contributions and support towards the successful conduct of the programme.