The recent webinar, “Strengthening Rural Economies: Skilling for Growth in Food Processing,” held as part of the #CentumKnowledgeSeries, brought together industry leaders to discuss the transformative role of skill development in rural livelihoods. Featuring expert speakers Sunil Kumar Marwah (CEO, FICSI), Dr. Agatha Betsy (Head, Nutrition Sciences, ITC Limited), and Akshay Gupta (Associate Director, Centum Foundation), the session explored how food processing training can create sustainable employment opportunities and drive economic resilience in rural areas.

The discussion underscored the need to bridge skill gaps by providing accessible, industry-relevant training for rural youth. Sunil Kumar Marwah highlighted the importance of structured skilling programs in building a workforce aligned with industry needs. Dr. Agatha Betsy shared insights on integrating nutrition science with food processing to add value to rural enterprises, while Akshay Gupta emphasized aligning skilling initiatives with real community needs to ensure long-term impact.

The webinar also delved into the role of corporate partnerships in sustaining skill development initiatives, offering actionable strategies to enhance rural employment and strengthen local economies. Attendees gained valuable perspectives on how targeted training can empower rural communities by increasing productivity and income-generation opportunities.

The session concluded with a comprehensive understanding of the strategies required to build a skilled rural workforce, reinforcing the significance of sustainable skill development in shaping economic growth. By facilitating knowledge-sharing platforms like this, Centum Foundation continues to drive meaningful change, fostering resilience and long-term growth in rural communities.