Today Manipur is moving forward: CM
Source: Chronicle News Service / DIPR
Imphal, April 29 2023:
Chief minister N Biren Singh on Saturday inaugurated an Integrated Processing Unit of organically grown fruits and spices, under the brand Likla of Thangjam Agro Industries Pvt Ltd at Food Park, Nilakuthi, under Mission Organic Value Chain Development for North East Region (MOVCD-NER) with support from North Eastern Development Finance Corporation Ltd (NEDFi) and State Bank of India (SBI).
Speaking as chief guest of the inaugural function, CM N Biren informed that the demand for organic products is a world-wide phenomenon as people are becoming more health conscious and further stressed on the need to identify items which have the potential to do well or are suitable in the state before starting a venture.
Pointing out that the government is laying much emphasis on organic farming, he highlighted that organic farming has been expanded to 37,700 hectares (approximately) in 2022 from just about 5000 hectares in 2016 .
He also talked on schemes and programmes such as the Start-Up, One family One Livelihood and launch of Venture Fund in collaboration with NEDFi among others.
He also highlighted the approval for construction of a Mega Food Park under the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Sampada Yojana in the state.
"Today, Manipur is moving forward.
We are witnessing a change in the atmosphere," he said.
N Biren conveyed that people from outside visiting the state were amazed by the discipline, hospitality and culture of the people.
The government is also working towards bringing a change in the state by incorporating positive suggestions, comments and advice from the public, he added.
Further in his speech, the CM highlighted infrastructural developments being taken up in the state including foundation stone laid for a 5-star hotel, residential quarters at New Checkon, among others.
He stated that the newly inaugurated projects like the Olympian Park, Sangai Ethnic Park, Nongpok Thong are of global standard.
He also emphasised on establishing of Youth Skilling Centres to impart skill development trainings to unemployed youth.
N Biren made a fervent appeal to the people for a joint effort against illegal drugs and other intoxicants, citing that drugs and spurious liquor are highly affecting our society.
Expressing concern over the working style of private rehabilitation centres, he observed that such centres should work towards bringing the addicts to the mainstream and normalcy through proper advice and consultation.
N Biren also appreciated Thangjam Agro Industries Pvt Ltd for its endeavour and assured of all possible assistance from the government's side.
He continued that Thangjam Agro under the leadership of its managing director Thangjam Joykumar has provided employment to more than 1000 people directly and indirectly with the newly inaugurated unit expected to provide job to around 200 people.
He also appreciated NEDFi for its support to local entrepreneurs.
Regarding platforms for marketing of products, the CM said that it is not much of an issue now with the government having a buy back policy and is finding markets for the products and there are also cold storage facilities.
Further stressing that there is high demand for organic products everywhere, the CM mentioned that the Manipur Organic Mission Agency (MOMA) has opened organic outlets in some cities including Bangalore, Pune and Delhi.
The inaugural function was also attended by Wangkhei MLA Th Arunkumar Singh, additional chief secretary (Hort&SC) P Vaiphei and Th Joykumar, among others.
Later, CM N Biren inspected the Fruit Preservation Factory (Magfruit) located inside the Food Park.