Outreach awareness prog on cold-chain
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, January 20 2017:
A one day outreach awareness programme on cold-chain was held for farmers and other stakeholders today at the Classic Hotel, Imphal organized by the PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industries in association with the National Centre for Cold Chain Development (NCCD), Government of India.
The awareness programme was organised with an aim to sensitize farmers and other stakeholders regarding the various financial assistance and schemes given by the Government of India under various Ministries and Departments.
It also aimed to spread awareness of the importance of cold-chain management and how it can
increase the farmers' income.
Director of Horticulture and Soil Conservation, Government of Manipur K Kipgen graced the programme as the chief guest while Regional Manager (NER) PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry SK Hazarika, Director of Agriculture Government of Manipur Louis Ngasainao, Managing Director of Thangjam Agro Industries Pvt Ltd Thagjam Joykumar and Chairman of the Manipur Industries Development Council P Loken Singh graced as other dignitaries.
Many farmers and entrepreneurs attended the programme which emphasized on the importance of developing a world-class cold chain infrastructure here in Manipur.
Addressing the inaugural session, K Kipgen stated that cold chain or cold storage is an important aspect of agriculture and its allied activities.
Though there has been a considerable increase in agricultural and other produce in the State, large quantities of these produce goes to waste every year due to unavailability of cold storage facilities.
To prevent such loss, developing a functional cold chain is of utmost importance.
As the State is a landlocked region, each town should be equipped with cold chain facilities, Kipgen stated.
The department will push the competent authorities to develop cold chain facilities in the State.
Director of Agriculture Louis Ngasainao said investors and banks should take keen interest in investing on and developing cold chain storage facilities.
Such facilities, he said, will help prevent transit loss of the State's produce.
Thangjam Joykumar shared the difficulties faced by farmers and entrepreneurs due to lack of cold chain storage facilities in the State.
He said the PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industries should be the link between farmers and the investors or banks to develop cold chain storage in Manipur.