Entrepreneurs exhorted to apply for assistance
Source: Chronicle News Service / DIPR

Imphal, September 08 2021: Chief minister N Biren on Wednesday inaugurated organic outlets at Pune and Bengaluru via video conferencing, besides flagging off a consignment of 10 MT of GI tagged organic Chak-hao (black rice) to Europe in a function held at CM's Secretariat here.

The organic outlets at Pune and Bengaluru have been opened by Manipur Organic Mission Agency (MOMA) under Mission Organic Value Chain Development for North East ern Region (MOVCDNER), Manipur to export and promote organic products of the state in different parts of the country.

Export of Chak-hao to Europe is done by Freshies Fresh under Nahakpam Food & Beverages, Imphal through Organic Foods Pvt Ltd, Kolkata.

This highly nutritious rice variety is grown by organic farmers/organic FPCs of Chakhao Poireiton Organic Producer Company Ltd, Imphal West, which is supported by Green Foundation, Imphal under MOVCDNER, Manipur.

Speaking on the occasion, N Biren exhorted the agricultural and horticultural entrepreneurs and farmers to apply for financial assistance under Start-Up and other government schemes.

MOMA has been exporting state's indigenous organic items like ginger, pineapple, Chak-hao, etc, to different parts of the country and abroad, he said, while adding that despite Covid-19 pandemic, the state has been able to export different organic items worth Rs 68 crore in the past few years.

The chief minister further stated that due to constant and relentless efforts of the state government, Manipur could considerably increase production of fish and horticultural / agricultural products.

Acknowledging that there is need for giving thrust to horticulture and agriculture sectors for economic prosperity, the CM said that several tube-wells and check dams are being constructed for it in different parts of the state.

He also said that organic outlets would be opened in other cities as well.

N Biren observed that the Meitei community of the state though talented lacks a sense of responsibility.

The state will move towards development when the people start working with professional integrity, he said.

The CM noted with regret that at a time when Covid-19 pandemic has affected many in the state some are threatening to resign if their salaries are not increased.

People in every profession must realise that they should work knowing their responsibility.

The present government in its four and half years of rule has brought back peace; the state is marching towards development.

In the coming future also, the government needs continued support of the public, he added.

Agriculture minister O Lukhoi said that promotion and export of indigenous agricultural and horticultural products is being done with all seriousness for the first time in the state under the leadership of the chief minister.

With the opening of organic outlets in different cities, state natives as well as other people would be able to savour the unique taste of indigenous food items of Manipur.

During the function, the chief minister also felicitated Chak-hao farmers by presenting them with simple gifts.

Additional chief secretary (Horticulture) P Vaiphei, MOMA project director K Devdutta Sharma and other high-ranking officials of the Horticulture and Soil Conservation Department were also present at the programme.

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