Food processing seminar talks shop on best practices

Eastern Mirror Desk
Dimapur, March 14: A seminar on the importance of decision making in the food processing sector was held at Niathu Resort.
A seminar about the importance of decision-making in the food processing sector was held at Niathu Resort in Dimapur.
Menukhol John, principal secretary of industries & commerce, who was the chief guest of the event, urged entrepreneurs to take the lead in initiating decisions on matters of food processing.
“You tell us your problems and together we can solve the problems” he said. John also asked the entrepreneurs to ponder on the ‘Make in Nagaland’ tag and take advantage of the available resources. He further added that there is a need to open a hub at micro small and medium enterprises with a single window information system for benefit of the entrepreneurs
“Though the element of risk is there in Nagaland like non-repayment of loans and subsidies, Financial Institutions (FI) should also understand that the Naga entrepreneurs are first generation entrepreneurs and many lack so we should not discourage them” he stated.
He concluded that a need to review the financial subsidies on a 50-50 basis was necessary as many upcoming entrepreneurs cannot afford to pay 50% of their share. Citing examples of guidelines and features of the Kissan Sampada Yojana scheme, he said that it may not be suitable for a state like Nagaland. “Let us look for viability and what can be implemented,” he said and hoped that the summit would help voice out the problems faced by entrepreneurs.
SK Dhumal of National Bank for Agriculture & Rural Development (NABARD) said that it was taking holistic view with regard to food processing and is trying to add value chain to rural eco-system. He informed that very soon the state would have a food park as well.
Managing Director of NIDC, CM Lotha, also presented the vision of NIDC with regard to food processing.