- Around 2,000 rural women to be empowered through specialized millet processing training
- Training initiative equips women with NSQF-certified skills, fostering entrepreneurship, sustainable agriculture, and self-reliant livelihoods
Singrauli, 10 September 2025: As part of its ongoing commitment to promote inclusive development and household empowerment, PepsiCo India, in collaboration with FICSI (Food Industry Capacity and Skill Initiative), launched a Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) training program 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 Shri Deepak Kumar Pandey (Gram Pradhan) and Shri Ramesh Kumar Sah (Rozgar Sahayak), who recognized that the initiative will 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 program 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 customized training program, 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, Ms. 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, Ms. 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.”
Speaking about the initiative,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 program 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.
About PepsiCo India:
PepsiCo products are enjoyed by consumers more than one billion times a day in more than 200 countries and territories around the world. PepsiCo generated nearly $92 billion in net revenue in 2024, driven by a complementary beverage and convenient foods portfolio that includes Lay’s®, Doritos, Cheetos, Gatorade, Pepsi-Cola, Mountain Dew, Quaker, and SodaStream. PepsiCo’s product portfolio includes a wide range of enjoyable foods and beverages, including many iconic brands that generate more than $1 billion each in estimated annual retail sales.
Guiding PepsiCo is our vision to Be the Global Leader in Beverages and Convenient Foods by Winning with pep+ (PepsiCo Positive). pep+ is our strategic end-to-end transformation that puts sustainability and human capital at the center of how we will create value and growth by operating within planetary boundaries and inspiring positive change for planet and people. For more information, visit www.pepsico.com, and follow on X (Twitter), Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn @PepsiCo.
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From PepsiCo India:
Aastha Jindal | Aastha.Jindal@pepsico.com
From Avian WE:
Akshit Sharma | akshit@avianwe.com