Green Leaf, Kokrajhar

15/06/2026

A valedictory programme for the third batch of the Livelihood and Enterprise Development Programme (LEDP) on Cocoa Value Addition and Husk-Based Composting was organized on 15 June 2026 at Balapara, Tukrajhar, Chirang. The programme was attended by Shri Alaram Deury, District Development Manager (DDM), NABARD, Chirang; Shri Dilap Muchahary, Block Project Manager (BPM), ASRLM, Sidli Block; Shri Anand Basumatary, District Resource Person (DRP), DICC, Chirang; and officials of Green Leaf NGO including Shri Ghana Kanta Brahma, President; Shri G. Madhukar, Subject Matter Specialist; Mr. Aniraj Brahma, Project Coordinator; along with other members of the organization, trainees, farmers, and community representatives.

During the programme, certificates were distributed to all trainees who successfully completed the training. To promote cocoa cultivation and support sustainable livelihood development, each participant was also provided with 20 cocoa saplings. The programme marked the successful completion of the third batch of training under the LEDP initiative, which focused on cocoa cultivation, value addition, post-harvest management, entrepreneurship development, and husk-based composting techniques.

A major highlight of the event was the inauguration of the Cocoa Demonstration and Processing Unit at Balapara, which was formally opened in the presence of the dignitaries including Shri Alaram Deory, DDM, NABARD; Shri Dilap Mushahary, BPM, ASRLM, Sidli Block and Shri Anand Basumatary, District Resource Person, DICC, Chirang. The unit has been established to serve as a practical learning and demonstration centre for farmers and entrepreneurs interested in cocoa value addition. The dignitaries expressed their appreciation for the initiative and noted that the installation of processing machinery in the coming months would further strengthen local value addition, create employment opportunities, and enhance income generation among cocoa growers in the region.

Addressing the gathering, Shri Alaram Deury, DDM, NABARD, Chirang, congratulated the trainees on successfully completing the programme and appreciated their commitment to learning new skills. He highlighted NABARD's continued efforts to promote sustainable livelihood opportunities through skill development and enterprise promotion. He emphasized that the newly inaugurated demonstration and processing unit would play a vital role in strengthening the cocoa value chain in Chirang by enabling farmers to move beyond the sale of raw produce and participate in value-added activities. He encouraged the trainees to utilize the knowledge and skills acquired during the programme to establish cocoa-based enterprises and improve their livelihoods.

Shri Dilap Muchahary, BPM, ASRLM, Sidli Block, appreciated the initiative undertaken by NABARD and Green Leaf NGO in building the capacities of rural youth and farmers through practical and market-oriented training. He stressed the importance of entrepreneurship, collective action, and value addition in enhancing rural incomes. He further encouraged the trainees to make optimum use of the cocoa saplings distributed under the programme and to explore opportunities for developing cocoa-based products and enterprises in the future.

Sharing his experiences from the training sessions, Shri G. Madhukar, Subject Matter Specialist, Green Leaf NGO, elaborated on the various technical aspects covered during the programme, including scientific cocoa cultivation, harvesting and post-harvest management, fermentation, drying, value addition, product development, quality management, and husk-based composting. He highlighted the immense potential of cocoa as a high-value crop and encouraged the trainees to adopt the practices demonstrated during the training to improve productivity, product quality, and income generation.

The LEDP training programme witnessed enthusiastic participation from farmers and rural youth, generating awareness about cocoa-based enterprises, value addition opportunities, and environmentally sustainable composting methods. The successful completion of the third batch, coupled with the inauguration of the demonstration and processing unit, marks a significant milestone in promoting entrepreneurship, sustainable livelihoods, and rural economic development in Chirang district.

08/06/2026

A valedictory programme for the second batch of the Livelihood and Enterprise Development Programme (LEDP) on Cocoa Value Addition and Husk-Based Composting was organized on 8 June 2026 at Anthaibari, Open space, Chirang. The programme was attended by several distinguished guests including Shri Alaram Deury, District Development Manager (DDM), NABARD, Chirang; Dr. Ranjit Narzary, Ex-Principal, Bengtol College , Chief guest of the Programme; Shri Dilap Muchahary, Block Project Manager (BPM), ASRLM, Sidli Block; Shri Anand Basumatary, District Resource Person, DICC, Chirang; Shri Susanta Basumatary, Chairman, Bengtol VCDC; Shri Bulbul Muchahary, Gaonbura of Anthaibari Revenue Village; Shri Ancharam Narzary, Orchid Grower; Shri G. Madhukar, Subject Matter Specialist, Green Leaf NGO; Shri Ghana Kanta Brahma, President, Green Leaf NGO; Rev. Bimal Modahary, Area Pastor, NFCC; and other community leaders and stakeholders.

During the programme, certificates were distributed to all 30 trainees who successfully completed the training. In order to promote cocoa cultivation and encourage livelihood generation through cocoa-based enterprises, each trainee was also provided with 20 cocoa saplings. The sapling distribution was aimed at enabling the participants to apply the knowledge gained during the training and establish cocoa-based income-generating activities in their respective villages.

Addressing the gathering, Shri Alaram Deury, DDM, NABARD, Chirang, congratulated all the trainees on the successful completion of the programme and appreciated their active participation throughout the training period. He highlighted NABARD's continued efforts in promoting sustainable livelihoods through skill development, entrepreneurship development, and value addition-based interventions. He encouraged the participants to utilize the skills acquired during the programme for improving their income and developing cocoa-based enterprises in the region.

In his address as the Chief Guest, Dr. Ranjit Narzary, Ex-Principal, Bengtol College, remarked that cocoa has been cultivated by farmers in the area for nearly fifteen years; however, many growers were unaware of its true economic potential beyond the sale of raw cocoa pods and beans. Due to limited awareness and inadequate market linkages, farmers often received lower returns for their produce. He highly appreciated Green Leaf NGO and NABARD for selecting Chirang district and its cocoa-growing communities for the LEDP intervention. He noted that the training had significantly enhanced the participants' knowledge of cocoa processing, value addition, product diversification, and marketing opportunities. He encouraged the trainees to adopt the techniques and practices demonstrated during the programme and explore the full value chain of cocoa for improving their livelihoods and achieving greater economic self-reliance.

Shri Anand Basumatary, District Resource Person, DICC, Chirang, appreciated the initiative undertaken by Green Leaf NGO and NABARD for promoting entrepreneurship and livelihood enhancement among rural youth and farmers. He emphasized the importance of value addition in increasing farmers' income and encouraged the trainees to utilize their newly acquired skills to establish small-scale enterprises and contribute to local economic development.

Shri Susanta Basumatary, Chairman, Bengtol VCDC, highlighted the importance of diversifying agricultural activities through commercially viable crops such as cocoa. He urged the trainees to make effective use of the cocoa saplings distributed during the programme and to adopt improved cultivation and management practices for enhancing household income and strengthening the local rural economy. He also appreciated the efforts of Green Leaf NGO and NABARD in bringing such livelihood-oriented programmes to the farming communities of Chirang.

Sharing his experiences from the training sessions, Shri G. Madhukar, Subject Matter Specialist, Green Leaf NGO, elaborated on the practical aspects of cocoa cultivation, post-harvest management, value addition, product development, quality control, and husk-based composting techniques covered during the programme. He encouraged the trainees to continue practicing the skills acquired during the training and to explore entrepreneurial opportunities in cocoa-based products, thereby contributing to sustainable livelihood development and environmentally responsible farming.

The LEDP training programme witnessed enthusiastic participation from farmers and rural youth, generating awareness about the economic potential of cocoa-based enterprises and eco-friendly composting methods. The successful completion of the second batch marks another significant milestone in promoting entrepreneurship, income generation, and sustainable rural development in Chirang district.

03/06/2026

On 3rd June 2026, the ongoing Livelihood Enterprise Development Programme (LEDP) on Cocoa Value Addition and Husk-Based Composting, organized by Green Leaf NGO at Anthaibari (Batch–2), continued with active participation and enthusiasm from the trainees. The Resource Specialist and Master Trainer provided practical, hands-on training on the preparation of various cocoa value-added products, including cocoa powder, cocoa cream, cocoa tea, cocoa chocolate, cocoa-flavoured milk, cocoa butter, cocoa vinegar, cocoa wine, and cocoa biscuits.

The trainees showed keen interest in learning the processing and value-addition techniques through practical demonstrations. They actively participated in the sessions and gained confidence in producing quality cocoa-based products, with many expressing their willingness to utilize these skills for self-employment and entrepreneurship in the future.

A special highlight of the programme was the visit of Shri Anand Basumatary, District Resource Person, District Industries & Commerce Centre (DICC), Chirang. During his interaction with the trainees, he shared valuable information on various government schemes, subsidies, and entrepreneurial support available for starting small enterprises. Officials of Green Leaf NGO were also present throughout the programme to ensure smooth coordination and successful conduct of the training activities.

30/05/2026

29/05/2026

A valedictory programme for the first batch of the Livelihood and Enterprise Development Programme (LEDP) on Cocoa Value Addition and Husk-Based Composting was organized by Green Leaf on 28 May 2026 at the VCDC Community Hall, Hatisar, Chirang. The programme was graced by distinguished guests including Shri Alaram Deury, District Development Manager (DDM), NABARD, Chirang; Shri Sulen Narzary, Progressive Farmer; Shri Dilap Mushahary, Block Project Manager (BPM), Sidli Block; Shri Biswajit Ray from the Social Welfare Department; Shri Ghana Kanta Brahma, President of Green Leaf NGO; Shri Madhukar Gopalakrishnan, Resource Specialist, Green Leaf NGO; and Mr. Aniraj Brahma, Project Coordinator, Green Leaf NGO, along with other officials, community leaders, and local residents. During the event, certificates were distributed to all 30 trainees who successfully completed the programme. To further encourage entrepreneurship and promote cocoa cultivation as a sustainable livelihood option, each trainee was also provided with 20 cocoa saplings. Addressing the gathering, the dignitaries commended the joint initiative of Green Leaf NGO and NABARD for strengthening rural livelihoods through skill development, value addition, and sustainable agricultural practices. They emphasized the growing economic potential of cocoa-based enterprises and highlighted the importance of organic composting techniques in improving farm productivity while maintaining environmental sustainability. The programme witnessed enthusiastic participation from farmers and rural youth, contributing significantly to awareness generation and capacity building for income enhancement and eco-friendly farming practices in Chirang district.

27/05/2026

Today, on 27 May 2026, Green Leaf NGO successfully conducted a hands-on training programme on Cocoa Value Addition and Husk-Based Composting at the farm of Shri Sulen Narzary in Balapara under the ongoing Livelihood and Enterprise Development Programme (LEDP) on Cocoa. The practical field training was led by Shri Madhukar Gopalakrishnan, Resource specialist of Green Leaf, who provided detailed lessons and live demonstrations to the farmers regarding scientific cocoa cultivation practices, harvesting techniques, post-harvest management, fermentation, drying procedures, and value addition methods to improve the quality and market value of cocoa products. During the session, the farmers were also trained on the preparation of cocoa-based products and the effective utilization of cocoa husk for organic compost production, promoting sustainable and eco-friendly agricultural practices. Shri Madhukar Gopalakrishnan further demonstrated proper farm maintenance methods, pest and disease management practices, intercropping benefits, and techniques to enhance productivity and income generation through cocoa-based farming systems. The farmers actively participated in the field demonstrations and practical activities, gaining confidence through direct exposure and experiential learning. The programme was effectively coordinated and supervised by Mr. Aniraj Brahma, Project Coordinator, who managed the overall implementation of the training programme, mobilized the beneficiary farmers, facilitated coordination between the resource persons and participants, and ensured the smooth ex*****on of all training activities under the LEDP cocoa project. The training programme greatly encouraged the farmers and strengthened their interest in adopting cocoa value addition and sustainable farming practices for improved livelihood opportunities in the region.

20/05/2026

On 20 May 2026, Green Leaf NGO successfully organized a Financial Literacy Awareness Camp and skill-based training programme under the ongoing Livelihood and Enterprise Development Programme (LEDP) on Cocoa Value Addition and Husk-Based Composting at the VCDC Community Hall, Hatisar. The programme was attended by Shri Dasarath Brahma, LDM, SBI, Chirang and Smt. Vanuja Narzary, Guest Faculty, Rural Self Employment Training Institute (RSETI) along with officials of Green Leaf NGO. During the awareness session, Shri Dasarath Brahma enlightened the farmers regarding various government schemes and financial support systems including Kisan Credit Card (KCC) Loans, Mudra Loans, PMAY, and other banking facilities available for rural livelihood development. He particularly emphasized the benefits of KCC loans, explaining how farmers can access timely and low-interest agricultural credit for crop cultivation, input purchase, irrigation, and allied agricultural activities without depending on private money lenders. He also discussed the eligibility criteria, flexible repayment system, insurance coverage, and the importance of maintaining proper banking records and credit discipline for long-term financial security and entrepreneurship development. Furthermore, Smt. Vanuja Narzary encouraged the participants to explore mushroom cultivation as an alternative livelihood activity, highlighting its low investment requirement, high market demand, and income-generating potential. She assured the farmers that RSETI possesses the necessary resources, practical expertise, and training facilities to support interested beneficiaries in mushroom cultivation practices. As part of the LEDP cocoa training programme, Shri Madhukar Gopalakrishnan conducted practical training and live demonstrations on preparing cocoa butter and cocoa cookies, while also demonstrating the process of converting cocoa husk into organic fertilizer for sustainable farming practices. The programme was effectively organized and coordinated by Mr. Aniraj Brahma, Project Coordinator and Shri Madhukar Gopalakrishnan, Resource Specialist, along with other Green Leaf Officials. The event concluded with a heartfelt vote of thanks delivered by Mr. Aniraj Brahma, who expressed gratitude to the guests, trainees, and participants while conveying hope for the successful implementation and future impact of the LEDP cocoa project in the region.

16/05/2026

The ongoing LEDP training programme on Cocoa Value Addition and Husk-Based Composting, organized by Green Leaf NGO at the VCDC Community Hall, Hatisar, Chirang, continues with active participation and enthusiasm from the trainees. During the sessions, the Resource Specialist and Master Trainer are providing practical and hands-on training on the preparation of various cocoa value-added products such as cocoa powder, cocoa cream, cocoa tea, cocoa chocolate, and cocoa-flavoured milk.

The trainees are showing great interest and excitement while learning the processing techniques and value addition methods through practical demonstrations. They are actively engaging in the sessions and expressing willingness to learn the skills so that they can independently prepare and market cocoa-based products in the future. Officials of Green Leaf NGO are also present throughout the programme to ensure the smooth flow and proper coordination of the training activities.

14/05/2026

Today, on 14 May 2026, Green Leaf NGO successfully inaugurated the Livelihood and Enterprise Development Programme (LEDP) on Cocoa Value Addition and Husk-Based Composting Training at the VCDC Community Hall, Hatisar, Chirang. The inaugural programme was graced by distinguished guests including Shri Burlungbutur Narzary, District Agriculture Officer Cum CHD; Shri Alaram Deory, DDM, NABARD, Chirang and Shri Madhukar Gopala Krishna, Resource Specialist, Green Leaf NGO. The event was also attended by Green Leaf officials including Shri Ghana Kanta Brahma, President of Green Leaf NGO and Mr. Aniraj Brahma, Project Coordinator of Green Leaf NGO along with the Chairman of Hatisar VCDC. During the programme, trainees were sensitized on the economic potential of cocoa cultivation, value addition, post-harvest processing, branding, packaging, and market linkage opportunities. It was highlighted that while most farmers in the area traditionally cultivate betel nut, only a limited number have adopted cocoa as an intercrop. Many farmers had previously lost confidence after seeing cocoa growers sell raw produce at low prices due to a lack of processing knowledge and direct market access. Through expert guidance and practical insights shared during the inauguration, farmers gained a clear understanding of how value addition can significantly increase profitability, reduce dependency on middlemen, create local enterprise opportunities, and promote sustainable farming practices through by-product utilization such as husk-based composting. The session created renewed motivation among the participants, who expressed strong interest, appreciation, and confidence in adopting cocoa-based integrated farming and enterprise development in the future.

25/04/2026

On 25th April 2026, a Skill Mapping and Beneficiary Identification programme was successfully conducted at Antaibari and Hatisar under Sidli Block, Chirang under the Livelihood and Enterprise Development Programme (LEDP) for Cocoa Value Addition and Husk-Based Composting Training.

The programme was carried out in the presence of officials from Green Leaf NGO (PIA) along with the BPM, ASRLM, Sidli Block.

During the programme, beneficiaries were identified and their skills and interests were carefully assessed. It was observed that many farmers are already cultivating cocoa; however, they are currently compelled to sell their produce at a much lower price due to lack of direct market access. Most of them depend on local middlemen, which results in reduced profit margins and prevents them from receiving a fair price for their produce. Additionally, the farmers were not aware of proper market linkage opportunities, value chains, or organized selling platforms.

Through the skill mapping exercise conducted today, Green Leaf NGO actively sensitized and enlightened the beneficiaries about fair market systems, direct buyer linkages, and the importance of collective marketing through SHGs. The participants were introduced to the concept of value addition, grading, and aggregation, which can significantly enhance their income. They were also made aware of potential institutional buyers, market demand trends, and pricing structures, enabling them to make more informed decisions in the future.
The beneficiaries showed a very positive response and expressed their interest in participating in the training programme. They are eager to learn the methods of cocoa value addition and husk-based composting, which will help them produce better products and increase their income.

Moreover, the participants were women. This shows a strong opportunity to strengthen Self Help Groups (SHGs) and support them in improving their livelihoods.

Overall, the programme received a good response from the community, and the beneficiaries are motivated to take part in the upcoming Cocoa Value Addition and Husk-Based Composting Training.