A five-day workshop-cum-training programme on “Product Certification and Training for Women SHG Members” under the RAMP Programme was organized by the Industries & Commerce Department, UT Ladakh, in collaboration with the Food Safety Department, Leh, at the Conference Hall of the District Industries Centre (DIC), Leh.

The workshop was virtually inaugurated by Mohd. Ashraf Bhatt (JKAS), Director, Industries & Commerce, UT Ladakh, who welcomed the participants and underscored the importance of product certification, quality assurance, branding, and market readiness for Women Self Help Groups (SHGs) and MSMEs engaged in the food processing sector. He emphasized that such capacity-building initiatives under the RAMP Programme aim to enhance competitiveness and promote formalization of local enterprises in Ladakh.

Around 40 SHG members and MSME representatives from the food processing sector participated in the programme.

The session began with a detailed presentation on the RAMP Programme by the State Programme Implementation Unit (SPIU), RAMP Ladakh, highlighting its objectives, interventions, and support mechanisms available for MSMEs.

Tamchos Gurmet from the Food Safety Department, Leh, delivered an informative session on the importance of FSSAI registration and compliance with food safety standards. A live demonstration of the FSSAI registration process was also conducted to provide hands-on understanding to the participants.
Participants were further sensitized on the significance of branding, labelling, and packaging for value addition and improved market access. Innovative practices and success stories of young entrepreneurs from Ladakh were shared to inspire and motivate the SHG members.

Post-lunch, the participants undertook a field visit to Onpo Bakery, Thiksey, where the proprietor shared insights into the unit’s operational aspects, emphasizing hygiene standards, safe food handling practices, and quality control measures essential for sustainable growth.
The workshop concluded with an awareness session on various schemes of the Industries & Commerce Department, including PMEGP and PMFME, followed by a vote of thanks appreciating the active participation of all attendees.

On-the-spot UDYAM registration was also facilitated during the programme.

The initiative marks another significant step towards strengthening women-led enterprises and promoting formalization and quality compliance among MSMEs in UT Ladakh.