Imphal, Jan. 19: A conference on “Linking Prospective Food Entrepreneurs with Government Schemes & Markets” was organized under the aegis of the Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industries of India (ASSOCHAM) in collaboration with Ministry of Food & Processing Industries, and Indian Council for Agricultural Research, Manipur centre in Imphal at, on Thursday.
The governor of Manipur Dr Najma A Heptulla inaugurated the conference. In her address, the governor said that unemployment was very high in Manipur. Agriculture and food processing can play a vital role in development of the state, Dr Heptulla said. She has appealed to the government agencies, industries and scientists to formulate policies to attract the youths of Manipur to the agriculture and food processing sectors.
Citing the potential for agro-based food processing industries in the state, she encouraged the people of the state to make better and efficient utilization of natural resources. People need to be involved at the grass root level, she said.
The state is popular for its horticultural crops such as pineapple, orange, and lemon, she said. 85 percent of the economy is agriculture-based for which the food processing industry can play a major role, she explained.
Seventeen skill-based sectors have been identified in Manipur to encourage young and budding entrepreneurs including those in the eco and agriculture tourism sector for the growth of agriculture and food processing sectors in the north eastern region.
In his welcome address, ASSOCHAM’s Senior Director Dr. Om S Tyagi said that the food processing industry has made some significant progress in the north eastern region of India. Areas such as agriculture and horticulture processing, processing of plantation crops, and animal husbandry and meat processing industries have been declared potential areas in the promotion of industrial activities in the state of Meghalaya.
Special emphasis is being given to non-traditional crops such as oilseeds, groundnut, tea, coffee, medicinal plants and other crops.
In the Manipur state alone, there is a potential for 2.7 lakh hectares of horticulture development. However, 1. 03 Lakh hectares i.e., only 27 percent is being achieved, according to an official.
