Farmers asked to improve processed food products

Our Reporter
Dimapur, March 12 (EMN): Observing that the quality of traditional processed food do not meet the international food safety standard, commissioner and secretary of Industries and Commerce, Kekhrievor Kevichusa, called upon the local entrepreneurs to improve their products in order prevail in the international markets.

Kevichusa has stated this while speaking during a workshop on Prime Minister Formalisation of Micro Food Processing Enterprise (PMFME) Scheme and strengthening of Ecosystem of Micro Food processing Enterprises in Nagaland, organised by ASSOCHAM and the department of Industries and Commerce on March 12 at Niathu Resort, Dimapur.

Stating that the scheme was aimed at addressing the problems of processed goods, Kevichusa said the workshop is being organised to benefit the local entrepreneurs. The scheme focuses totally on entrepreneurs who are having micro food processing enterprises, he said.

He shared that the goal was “to make people who are involved in this business to have a vision and to set standards and have an access to market”. He wished to see their products not just in Nagaland but also in every state and also in the nation.

He also encouraged the entrepreneurs by saying that “even a small initiative could turn into a big initiative someday.”

“This scheme is not just focus on helping you in your primary work but it also focus in helping you in your branding and marketing efforts and ultimately the department of Industry is also planning to set up a food testing laboratory in Dimapur or Kohima, because without a testing lab, they might be problem in marketing it nationally,” he stated.

He has further sought the support and participation of entrepreneurs in order to improve the working systems of the department.

“The department of Industry and Commerce intends to build up the food processing environment in Nagaland. We want our enterprises to become well known nationally and internationally as well. And we want to see products that are of the highest standards in Nagaland and other states too,” he added.

Also speaking on the occasion, Shankaran Ramamurthy, director of Frigoscan Food Tech Pvt. Ltd, Chennai, expressed that there are lots of potentials from Nagaland because they have varieties of agricultural produce. While mentioning that micro and small industries play a very crucial role in food sector, he lamented that the same was not happing in Nagaland.

Stating that about 86% of the food comes from unorganised sector in Nagaland, Ramamurthy opined that there was no consistency, hygiene, or product which come out from the factory.

As most of the North eastern states produce organic foods by nature, he exuded confidence that the scheme could help the people immensely in linking to international markets. K Hokishe Assumi, director of Industries and Commerce, also commented that the ASSOCHAM is helping, assisting and guiding the entrepreneurs especially in the field of food processing.