District Administration Launches Training for SHGs to Boost Virgin Coconut Oil Production in Nicobar

Nancowry, Jan. 31: In a significant step towards empowering women and enhancing the production of Virgin Coconut Oil (VCO) in the Nicobar Islands, the District Administration has launched a series of training sessions for Self-Help Groups (SHGs). Conducted in collaboration with Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs), these sessions aim to equip women with the latest techniques and technologies for high-quality VCO extraction, packaging, and marketing.
The initiative follows the recent Geographical Indication (GI) tag awarded to Nicobar’s Virgin Coconut Oil, a recognition that highlights the unique quality and traditional methods of VCO production in the region. The training sessions are designed to build on this achievement, ensuring that women involved in VCO production can maintain high standards of quality and hygiene while maximizing their income.
A meeting chaired by Shri Amit Kale, IAS, Deputy Commissioner of Nicobar, and attended by Shri Aditya Sangotra, Assistant Commissioner of Nancowry and other senior officials, outlined the roadmap for the VCO industry. Key directives were issued to conduct training sessions for SHGs with master trainers from Krishi Vigyan Kendras. These sessions focus on integrating modern machinery with traditional extraction methods, emphasizing technical expertise, hygiene, and quality control.
Experts from KVKs have already conducted hands-on training for women SHGs in Kamorta, Chowra and Teresa. The sessions not only introduced advanced techniques but also reinforced the importance of maintaining high hygiene standards throughout the production process.
This training initiative is part of a broader effort to strengthen the VCO value chain in the Nicobar Islands.
Earlier, the CD Block Nancowry formed a producing group named ‘Manula Mathai Payuh’, comprising members from existing SHGs in Nancowry and open to participation from other SHGs in Campbell Bay and Car Nicobar. The group will aggregate surplus production from all SHGs, ensuring proper packaging, labelling, and marketing of Virgin Coconut Oil. This streamlined approach aims to enhance profitability and create sustainable livelihood opportunities for tribal women.
The training sessions are expected to have a transformative impact, enabling women to produce high-quality VCO that meets market demands while preserving the traditional methods that make Nicobar’s Virgin Coconut Oil unique.