Millet Maize DDGS Ethanol Int- PepsiCo India, in collaboration with the Food Industry Capacity and Skill Initiative (FICSI), launched a Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) training programme in Madhya Pradesh. Aligned with PepsiCo India’s ‘Partnership of Progress’ philosophy, the initiative aims to empower households by upskilling 2,000 women from rural areas across five districts of the state – Singrauli, Sidhi, Rewa, Shahdol and Satna. The inauguration of the program was graced by Deepak Kumar Pandey (Gram Pradhan) and Ramesh Kumar Sah (Rozgar Sahayak), who recognised that the initiative would further advance sustainable agriculture and self-reliant livelihoods for women in the region.
In line with the Indian Government’s focus to promote millet cultivation and consumption, this structured programme contributes in building a future-ready workforce for millet processing. Participating women will be equipped with critical skills aligned with the National Skills Qualification Framework (NSQF), and will receive certification as ‘Millet Products Processor’ by FICSI. These skills in the training include competencies in safe food handling, hygiene, product development, and entrepreneurship, positioning them as key contributors to millet processing and value addition.The 50-hour customised training programme, delivered through the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) mode, is strategically designed to align with the National Occupational Standards approved by the NSQC.
This industry-relevant curriculum empowers participants with practical, job-ready skills across key areas of food processing. Core learning outcomes include preparing for production, manufacturing millet-based composite flour, adhering to food safety protocols, enhancing employability skills, and mastering the production of millet-based baked and extruded products – equipping learners to thrive in the evolving food industry landscape.Speaking about the initiative, Yashika Singh, Chief Corporate Affairs Officer and Sustainability Head, PepsiCo India and South Asia, said, “At PepsiCo India, we believe inclusion drives progress—for individuals, households, and entire communities. Through our partnership with FICSI, we’re equipping 2,000 rural women in Madhya Pradesh with NSQF-certified millet processing skills, enabling them to become confident food entrepreneurs. Millets are powerful crops – nutritious, climate-resilient, and central to sustainable agriculture.
By connecting skill development with livelihood creation, we’re building stronger futures and contributing to a healthier planet. This initiative reflects our ‘Partnership of Progress’ philosophy: advancing inclusive growth and community resilience.”Speaking about the initiative, Santosh Punia, GM Operations, FICSI said, “Through this partnership with PepsiCo India, FICSI is committed to strengthening the capacity of women food handlers and processors by providing them with industry-recognized skills. By aligning training with the NSQF framework and incorporating certifications like FoSTaC, we are not only enhancing food safety and quality standards but also empowering women to become entrepreneurs in millet processing. This initiative reflects our vision to create a skilled workforce that supports India’s millet mission while promoting sustainable livelihoods and inclusive growth.”Geeta Biyar, Trainee “With the help of this training, I have not only understood the value of millets but also learned how to make them into products that people want to buy.
I already run a small retail shop, and now I feel confident that I can introduce these millet-based products there. This opportunity has given me new skills to expand my business, attract more customers, and earn better. I sincerely thank PepsiCo India and FICSI for providing this training, which has given me both growth and independence”.The programme also offers structured sessions such as FoSTaC (FSSAI) Basic Certification and imparts practical knowledge on preparing value-added millet-based products including baked goods, snacks, and flour. Participants are trained in good manufacturing practices, packaging techniques, and marketing skills to help them establish or scale their own food businesses.PepsiCo India’s CSR effort in Madhya Pradesh demonstrates its holistic approach to inclusive growth, supporting women as self-reliant entrepreneurs while promoting the nutritional and environmental benefits of millets. The initiative stands as a model for empowering communities through skill-building, certification, and sustainable enterprise.
