Students Gain Insights on Value Links for Value Chain Development

Solan Feb 27

To enhance awareness about the importance of value links in value chain development, the Department of Food Science & Technology at Dr YS Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, is hosting a two-day training program on value links for value chain development and promotion. This training is organized in collaboration with the Global Innovation Center (GIC) in Agriculture and the Food Sector, GIZ India, and is aimed at postgraduate students within the department.

The training session was inaugurated by Dr. Manish Sharma, Dean of the College of Horticulture, who stressed the importance of skill development in students and fostering an entrepreneurial spirit through practical training. Dr. Sharma emphasized the role of value chains in key crops such as tomatoes, potatoes and apples, and commended GIZ India for its efforts in developing the value chains of perishables in India. He also pointed out that the sector presents numerous opportunities for young entrepreneurs and highlighted the need to address challenges in technology, packaging and long-term storage to maintain food quality and nutritional value. Dr Sanjeev Chauhan, Director Research also interacted with the students and spoke on the importance of new research and business ideas in the food sector.

Dr. Rakesh Sharma, Head of the Department of Food Science & Technology, shared that promoting value chains is vital for strengthening forward and backward linkages, ensuring assured markets and creating a sustainable agri-food system. Umesh Sharma, Agriculture Advisor and Master Trainer at GIZ, introduced and demonstrated the practical applications of the Value Link 2.0 Training Modules 1-3 for value chain promotion and sustainable growth.

A total of 22 students from the department, along with faculty members are participating in the training. Over the next two days, several hands-on sessions and exercises will be conducted, covering topics such as value chain analysis, tools for value chain analysis, and strategies for upgrading chains. The students will also have the opportunity to develop their own strategies, with expert feedback, aimed at fostering entrepreneurship through enhanced skills development.