Senapati, Sept 24:   Students from the Feeds Group of Institutions’ College of Agricultural Sciences, Hengbung, Kangpokpi, completed a 15-day intensive food processing training at Zhereih Foods, Senapati. The training, part of the Rural Agricultural Work Experience Programme (RAWEP) for B.Sc. Agriculture and Rural Horticulture Work Experience Programme (RHWEP) B.Sc Horticulture (2021-2025) VII Semester students, commenced on 9th September and concluded on 24th September 2024.

At the closing ceremony, the students were awarded certificates by Mr. Kibambe Felix, General Secretary of the Senapati Entrepreneurs Association (SEA), and Mrs. Thaipei Sounai, proprietor of Zhereih Foods. Mr. Felix shared his entrepreneurial journey and encouraged the students to explore opportunities in local fruit processing ventures. Students also expressed their gratitude to Zhereih Foods for imparting practical knowledge and skills during the training.

Zhereih Foods specializes in processing indigenous fruits like wild apples, gooseberries, kiwi, wild olive,plum, peach,pine apple, sohiong cherry, grapes and mango into candies and fermented beverages. The company is committed to promoting sustainable development and empowering local women by creating job opportunities in fruit processing. The students were exposed to techniques blending traditional methods with modern science, fostering an understanding of entrepreneurship in the agricultural sector.

Zhereih Foods: Promoting Indigenous Fruits and Women’s Empowerment

Established in 2018, Zhereih Foods focuses on processing locally available indigenous fruits into high-quality products, aiming to uplift the local economy and promote women’s employment. Currently, the business employs 10 women and remains dedicated to creating opportunities for rural communities in Manipur. Despite challenges such as limited processing units and financial constraints, Zhereih Foods continues to grow, emphasizing the value of sustainable, women-centric entrepreneurship.

Mrs. Thaipei, reflecting on the company’s journey, expressed optimism about the future of the indigenous fruit processing industry in the Northeast and encouraged young entrepreneurs to embrace self-reliance and entrepreneurship as career paths.