ICAR-NINFET and Avahita Successfully Conducted Training of Trainers (ToT) Programme under HCSSC Framework
Kolkata, 21 September 2025:
The Indian Council of Agricultural Research – National Institute of Natural Fibre Engineering & Technology (ICAR-NINFET), in collaboration with Avahita Marketing & Consulting Services Pvt. Ltd. , successfully conducted a three-day Training of Trainers (ToT) Programme for Jute Product Artisans under the guidelines of the Handicrafts & Carpet Sector Skill Council (HCSSC) from 19th to 21st September 2025.
The programme, hosted at the Centre of Excellence of Handicraft & Carpet Sector Skill Council ICAR-NINFET, aimed at building a robust pool of skilled trainers who can drive capacity building initiatives across the natural fibre sector, especially jute and allied crafts. A total of ten (10) experienced trainers participated in the programme after a rigorous pre-training identification and suitability assessment process.
The programme was formally inaugurated by Dr. D.B. Shakyawar Director, ICAR-NINFET, in the presence of senior faculty and officials from the institute and Avahita team members. He said “This initiative strengthens our commitment to creating a sustainable and scalable model for skill development in the natural fibre sector. By empowering trainers, we are enabling a multiplier effect that will reach artisans and agri-based communities across the country.”
During the Technical & Pedagogical Training sessions, participants were oriented and certified on both their specific knowledge of handicrafts and carpet skills (domain skills) and how to effectively deliver training (platform skills)., delivered by HCSSC master trainer and supported by Avahita facilitators. Dr. Samir Baran Roy, Principal Scientist and In-Charge ITMU, ICAR-NINFET emphasized that the trainers responsible to train the trainees must be knowledgeable and be equipped with skills to deliver training. They must be experts in their own subjects. The efficiency of the trainers would reflect the proficiency of the training they provide to the candidates in the specific skills. Therefore, this ToT will train and guide the trainers to build their capacities to deliver training.
The programme drew participants from multiple districts of West Bengal to ensure wide geographic coverage for future training programmes. Sudeshna Das, Chief Strategist, Avahita, added,“Through KrishiCraft, we are building an ecosystem that links artisans, trainers, and market opportunities. This ToT programme is a significant step toward professionalizing the handicraft skill value chain.”
A structured assessment was conducted in line with the NSQF framework under HCSSC supervision. Successful candidates will be registered on the Skill India Portal as certified trainers. Post-training monitoring and evaluation will continue for one year to ensure active engagement of the certified trainers and track their contribution to future training programmes.