Singrauli, September 16, 2025: PepsiCo India, in collaboration with the Food Industry Capacity and Skill Initiative (FICSI), has launched a Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) training program in Madhya Pradesh to empower 2,000 rural women across five districts – Singrauli, Sidhi, Rewa, Shahdol, and Satna. The initiative aims to build women’s capacity in millet processing and entrepreneurship, aligning with national efforts to promote millet cultivation and consumption.
The 50-hour training program, structured under the National Skills Qualification Framework (NSQF), equips participants with certification as ‘Millet Products Processor’ from FICSI. The curriculum covers competencies in food safety, hygiene, product development, and entrepreneurship, preparing women to establish sustainable livelihoods in food processing.
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.”
Ms. Santosh Punia, GM Operations, FICSI, added, “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.”
Participants expressed optimism about the program’s impact. Geeta Biyar, one of the trainees, said, “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 training program also includes FoSTaC (FSSAI) Basic Certification and practical modules on preparing millet-based value-added products such as baked goods, snacks, and flour. In addition, participants learn good manufacturing practices, packaging, and marketing techniques to help them establish or scale their food enterprises.
PepsiCo India’s initiative highlights its continued focus on inclusive growth and community empowerment through skill-building, certification, and sustainable enterprise, while promoting the nutritional and environmental benefits of millets.
