AI SummaryAssam government is running Community Canning and Training on Fruit Preservation Scheme in 2026 to help women, SHG members and rural youth learn how to make jam, jelly, pickle, squash, sauce and chutney from local fruits and vegetables. Training is going on across 21 centres spread over 19 districts under Directorate of Horticulture and Food Processing, Assam.
Interested people can join short training of 1, 3 or 6 days, or go for a longer 7 to 15 day course to start their own small cottage industry. Training charges are nominal and successful candidates get a certificate at the end.
Community Canning and Training on Fruit Preservation Scheme in Assam
Community Canning and Training on Fruit Preservation is a state plan scheme of Directorate of Horticulture and Food Processing, Government of Assam. Main aim of this scheme is to cut down post harvest loss of surplus fruits and vegetables by turning them into value added products like jam, jelly, squash, sauce and pickle.
Each Community Canning and Training Centre is headed by a Sub Divisional Agriculture Officer (SDAO). Centres give facility to process seasonal fruits and vegetables, and also run training programs for unemployed people, mainly women, SHG members and Mahila Samiti workers. Facilities are given at very low charges so that even poor families can use them.
How to Apply for Training
Application process for this scheme is fully offline. There is no online portal for this training. Follow the steps given below to join.
STEP 1 - Go to your nearest district Community Canning and Training Centre and tell the in charge officer that you want to join the training. Ask for the current training schedule and topic being covered in that batch.
STEP 2 - If there is no centre near you, contact the office of Deputy Director of Agriculture (Fruit Preservation), Assam at Ulubari, Guwahati-07. Officer will guide you to the closest centre.
STEP 3 - Fill the enrolment form given by the centre. Attach copies of your Aadhaar Card, Voter ID, PAN Card and bank passbook along with the form.
STEP 4 - Pay the nominal training fee at the centre and collect the fee receipt. Fee amount is different for different courses, so check with your centre before paying.
STEP 5 - Attend the training on the given dates. After you finish the course, collect the certificate from the centre. This certificate helps if you plan to start a small cottage food business later.
Scheme Highlights
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Community Canning and Training on Fruit Preservation |
| Launched By | Government of Assam |
| Running Department | Directorate of Horticulture and Food Processing |
| State | Assam |
| Category | Agriculture, Rural and Environment |
| Beneficiaries | Women, SHG members, rural youth |
| Benefit Type | Training and skill development in food preservation |
| Number of Centres | 21 centres across 19 districts |
| Training Duration | 1 to 15 days |
| Application Mode | Offline at district centre |
| Official Website | dirhorti.assam.gov.in |
Benefits of the Training
People who join this training get many practical benefits, both for home use and for starting a small business. Trained experts give hands on guidance so that even a first timer can learn the basic techniques quickly.
- You get access to canning centre facilities to preserve seasonal fruits and vegetables under expert supervision.
- You learn how to reduce food waste by making squash, juice, jam, jelly and chutney from surplus produce, which can be used during off season.
- Short courses of 1, 3 or 6 days are open for women, SHGs and local groups who want basic knowledge.
- Longer 7 to 15 day courses are for those who want to start their own small cottage food unit.
- A certificate is given at the end of the course, which is useful for loan applications and for linking with schemes like PM FME Scheme for micro food enterprises.
Who Can Apply
This training is open for a wide group of people in Assam. Anyone who is keen to learn fruit and vegetable preservation can apply, but the scheme mainly focuses on the following groups.
- Women and housewives living in rural areas of Assam who want to preserve seasonal food for their family.
- Members of Self Help Groups (SHG) and Mahila Samitis working on income generation activities.
- Local youth and students who want to pick up a new technical skill in food processing.
- People who plan to set up a small cottage food unit for self employment.
Members of SHGs can also check the state wise SHG list Assam to confirm their group name before applying.
Documents Required
Keep the following documents ready in original and photocopy before going to the centre. Some centres may ask for one or two extra papers based on the course you pick.
- Aadhaar Card
- Voter ID Card
- PAN Card
- Bank passbook copy
- Two passport size photos
- SHG membership proof (only if applying as SHG member)
Training Centres in Assam
At present, 21 Community Canning and Training Centres are working in 19 districts of Assam. Head office is at Ulubari, Guwahati under the Deputy Director of Agriculture (Fruit Preservation). District centres cover Kamrup, Dibrugarh, Sribhumi and other main districts. For the full centre wise list and contact numbers, please check the official Assam Horticulture website.
Contact Details
For any query about training dates, fees or centre address, contact the office given below.
Office of Deputy Director of Agriculture (Fruit Preservation), Assam, Ulubari, Guwahati - 781007.
Official website: dirhorti.assam.gov.in
References
Official Scheme Page - Directorate of Horticulture and Food Processing, Assam
FAQ's
What is fruit preservation in horticulture?
Fruit preservation means using techniques like canning, bottling, drying or making jam and pickle to extend the shelf life of fruits and vegetables. Since fresh produce spoils fast after harvest, preservation helps to keep its taste and food value for a longer time.
Who can join this training in Assam?
Women, housewives, SHG members, Mahila Samiti members and rural youth of Assam can join. People who want to start a small cottage food business are also welcome.
What products can be made after the training?
Trainees learn to make jam, jelly, pickle, squash, juice, sauce, chutney and marmalade using locally grown fruits and vegetables of Assam.
How long is the training course?
Course length is flexible. Short courses run for 1, 3 or 6 days. Longer cottage industry courses run for 7 to 15 days.
Is there any fee for the training?
Yes, a small nominal fee is charged for training and for use of the canning facility. Exact fee depends on the course and centre, so check with your local centre before joining.
Will trainees get a certificate?
Yes, a certificate is given to every candidate who finishes the course. This certificate is useful for loan applications and for starting a small food processing unit.
How many centres are running under this scheme?
At present 21 Community Canning and Training Centres are running in 19 districts of Assam under the Directorate of Horticulture and Food Processing.