Innovation, creativity, and community empowerment took centre stage as JAIN (Deemed-to-be University) hosted the Capacity Building Training Programme on Sustainable Product Development Using Water Hyacinth for SC/ST Fishers and Allied Workers. The programme enabled participants to gain practical skills in transforming water hyacinth—an invasive aquatic plant—into eco-friendly, value-added products such as woven handbags, decorative crafts, …
Innovation, creativity, and community empowerment took centre stage as JAIN (Deemed-to-be University) hosted the Capacity Building Training Programme on Sustainable Product Development Using Water Hyacinth for SC/ST Fishers and Allied Workers.
The programme enabled participants to gain practical skills in transforming water hyacinth—an invasive aquatic plant—into eco-friendly, value-added products such as woven handbags, decorative crafts, paper items, and artistic works. As a result, participants produced finished products, learned new sustainable livelihood techniques, and contributed to environmental conservation in their communities.
Ambassador (Retd.) Prof. Venu Rajamony, Chairman of the Future Kerala Mission, visited the programme and interacted with participants to further inspire the initiative. He observed the product development process, appreciated the trainees’ creativity and dedication, and encouraged them to leverage their newly acquired skills for entrepreneurship and community development.
Forty trainees actively participated in the programme, launching five local projects and facilitating workshops that connected community members to new sustainable economic opportunities.
MPEDA–NETFISH, Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Government of India, Future Kerala Mission, and JAIN University, Kochi, jointly organised the initiative, reflecting their shared commitment to sustainable development, skill enhancement, and inclusive growth.
