Leh, March 19: A meeting was today chaired by Secretary, Industries and Commerce Department Ladakh, Saugat Biswas to discuss the functioning and progress of Van Dhan Vikas Kendras (VKVKs) in UT Ladakh.  

Director Industries & Commerce, Moses Kunzang gave an overview of the status and the progress of VKVKs. He said that eight VKVKs have been established in Leh & Kargil districts whereas two more VKVKs would be established soon.

Secretary Biswas exhorted the officials to ensure that products identified by the VDVKs are of premium quality. He impressed upon the officials to ensure quality and standardisation of products and further instructed the officials to apply for FSSAI license for the products. 

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He directed the Industries & Commerce Department to identify and open commercial spaces for the sale of local products of Self Help Groups (SHGs) under the scheme.

Secretary Biswas instructed the Industries & Rural Development Department to train Master trainers in collaboration with NIFTEM. He further instructed to prepare a calendar of trainings sessions. 

Secretary Biswas instructed officials to identify specialised equipment for processing food products with food grade certification. He further directed the officials to organise a meeting with FSSAI to finalise the modalities and to assess requirements for certification.

Keeping the short apricot season in mind, Secretary Biswas exhorted the officials to finalise trainings, procurement of equipment and marketing linkages to expedite its production after harvesting. 

Director Industries and Commerce, Ladakh: Regional Manager, TRIFED, Dehradun; District Social Welfare Officer, Leh; District Social Welfare Officer, Kargil; District Coordinator NRLM, Kargil; District Coordinator NRLM, Leh and concerned officials of the Directorate of Industries and Commerce, Ladakh took part in the meeting.