Manipur can be developed into a tourism & industrial hub: Rane
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, November 20 2022:
Manipur can be developed into a tourism and industrial hub in 3-5 years with the planning of the Centre and State Government, said Union Minister for MSME Narayan Rane.
He said this while speaking at a "National Seminar on Growth and Development of MSMEs" held at City Convention Centre, Konung Mamang today.
The seminar was jointly organised by the Ministry of MSME, Government of India and Manipur Government on the theme "Strengthening the backbone of the Indian Economy".
Speaking as chief guest, Union Minister Rane said Manipur's per capita income when compared to other States is low.
Sikkim and some other States have improved their per capita income.
Manipur too can improve its per capita income with proper planning.
Agriculture being the most important sector for improving the economy in Manipur, farmers should be encouraged to adopt other crops besides paddy.
He said, farmers in the State seem to mainly focus on paddy cultivation.
If the farmers expand their scope and adopt other crops as well, they can significantly improve their income.
Stating that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is advocating for an Atmanirbhar Bharat, a self-reliant India, Rane said he believes the people of Manipur and North-East and its MSMEs (Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises) would contribute tremendously in realising the objective.
When MSME products of the State are added values and exported, the enterprises and artisans can earn more and also generate employment.
The State Government should work closely with the MSMEs.
Export of the Indian MSME products have increased over the years, he said.
The Ministry will do its best and extend any assistance under its provision to the State MSMEs when asked, he added.
Stating that Prime Minister Narendra Modi inspects the status of development projects and schemes implemented in the North-East region and advises the Union Ministers concerned, Rane called on all to develop the region.
Chief Secretary, Rajesh Kumar, who also attended the seminar said, the State under the mission "One District One Product" has launched "Sub-Divisional Development Mission" to identify and promote one product for each sub-division.
He stated that the law and order situation in the State has improved significantly with fewer bandhs and problem of insurgency.
Many talented youths including women have come out pursuing their dreams.
Handloom and handicrafts product are being used in Government offices under the theme "Global for Local", promoting the local products, artisans and entrepreneurs.
The State Government, with the aim to improve Human Development Index, talent, tourism and IT (Information and Technology) sector, has started taking keen interest in developing the MSMEs, he said.
The Chief Secretary also said that Manipur has vast potential for developing sericulture and expressed the necessity of asking assistance from the Ministry of Textiles and Commerce for developing it.
While the geography of the North East region suits bee-keeping, very little effort is seen for developing it.
Encouraging bee-keeping in the region would be very beneficial, he said.
He appealed to Union Minister Rane to study and know the actual condition and status in the North-East when New Delhi takes up any policy and programme for it.
Officials of the Ministry of MSME and the State Government attended the event.