Knowledge and Adoption Status of Training on Value Addition

The success of any training programme depends on periodic appraisal so that required changes can be made to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the programme. One hundred and twenty five trainees were imparted training on value addition of fruits and vegetables by conducting 5 vocational training programmes and out of that 55 were selected for this study. The study was undertaken to assess the gain in knowledge of the participants, adoption status of the enterprise and suggestions from the ex-trainees.

It was found that maximum adoption of 52 per cent was observed during the year 2011–12. Among the various practices of value addition, maximum knowledge gain (42.9%) was observed for methods of processing/value added products, aspects of permissible limits of food toxins was least understood by the participants (28.4%) followed by F.P.O. specification(32.0%). Hence, it was concluded that more emphasis needs be given to these practices during future training courses. The characteristics of the participants viz., educational level, membership of society and extension contact had positive influence on the knowledge gain of the participants. As perceived by 55 entrepreneurs, timely availability of raw material at reasonably low cost (76.4%), training on advanced processing methods and new value added products with practical demonstration (70.9%) and advance techniques for preservation and storage (65.5%) were three major suggestions for successful development of value addition of fruits and vegetables entrepreneurship in Raigad district of Maharashtra.