Pak Kala under Project Saksham (Pickle Training)

INTRODUCTION

Shreekara World Foundation organized a three day free pickle making training programme from 26th May to 28th June, 2025 under the guidance of Mrs. Ellora Sharma. The training was organized with the objective of empowering participants, especially women, with practical knowledge and skills in traditional food preservation techniques. The initiative aimed at promoting self-reliance and encouraging small scale entrepreneurship opportunities through pickle making. A total of 6 beneficiaries attended the training, actively engaging in each session.

OBJECTIVE

1. To provide hands on training in preparation of different varieties of pickles.
2. To provide economic self-reliance.
3. To encourage self-employment and livelihood generation through homemade food processing.
4. To empower women by providing them with livelihood skills.
5. To encouraging local entrepreneurship through large scale pickle production.
6. To empower marginalized section of the society.

Training Activities

The training programme was structured into three days with a balance of demonstration, practice, and discussion.

Day 1

• Introduction to the programme and objectives.
• Orientation on preservation techniques.
• Demonstration and preparation of:

1. Eggplant Pickle
2. Mango Pickle

Day 2

• Discussion on how pickle making has created business opportunities for many entrepreneurs.

• Hands-on preparation of:

  3. Mixed vegetables pickle

  4. Lemon Pickle

Day 3

• Preparation of refreshing summer beverages:

       5. Aam Panna (Raw Mango Drink)

       6. Bel Sharbat (Wood Apple Drink)

• Certificate Distribution to beneficiaries.

Methodology

1. The training was participatory and practical, ensuring that beneficiaries did not just observe but also practiced under supervision.
2. Step-by-step guidance by Mrs. Ellora Sharma.
3. Hands-On Practice: Each beneficiary prepared items themselves.
4. Discussions on marketing the products.

Outcomes & Impact

• All 7 beneficiaries gained hands-on skills in preparing 4 types of pickles and 2 traditional beverages.
• Beneficiaries expressed strong interest in selling their homemade products at local markets, fairs, and through community groups.
• The programme enhanced the confidence of women participants which generates women empowerment.

Challenges & Learnings

• Access to packaging materials remains a challenge for small-scale entrepreneurs, which needs follow-up support from the organization.
• The training proved that short-term skill-building programmes can have long-term impact.

Conclusion

The three day training programme proved to be highly beneficial and impactful for all participants. Under the expert guidance of Mrs. Illora Sharma, the training programme with 6 beneficiaries emphasized the value of self-reliance, women empowerment and sustainable community development – the core mission of Shreekara World Foundation.

Shreekara World Foundation remains committed to conducting more such livelihood-based training programmes in the future to ensure that communities, especially women and youth, are equipped with skills to achieve economic independence and dignity of life.

LIST OF BENEFICIARIES