Seminar on Kouna begins
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, December 11 2012: A two-day seminar on 'Brand Building Promotion and Upliftment of Kouna (Scirpus Lecustries) Craft' for Yairipok Cluster, Thoubal district has been inaugurated by Additional Director (Commerce & Industries) V Tualthang at Hotel Tampha here today.

As chief guest of inaugural session of the seminar being organised by Neo-Life Foundation, Nongpok Sekmai Sikhong Bazar, V Tualthang exhorted the Kouna craftspersons to be more dynamic and explore new patterns in order to attract the potential buyers.

Stating that Kouna produce have high demand in other parts of India and beyond, the Additional Director assured that all possible measures would be taken to not only provide incentive awards to the craftspersons but also increase quantum of productivity.

Expressing that focus of the local Kouna craftspersons should be the international market for there are many people interested in Kouna products, Toulthang also assured to facilitate participation of Manipuri Kouna producers in international trade fairs.

In his address Director (Agriculture) G Shamu Kabui noted that usage of Kouna products such as mats dates back to times immemorial but at present there a number of Kouna products having diverse utility.

Pledging the Department's all possible assistance to ensure that Kouna producers generate healthy income, he informed that efforts would be made to conduct a Kouna production competition in the coming years.

On the first day of the seminar, Superintendent (Handicrafts) of Commerce and Industry Department W Birenjit Singh deliberated on 'Marketing Assistance Available', former RD, CBWE KK Singh on 'Labour Laws', Asst Director (Sericulture) Dr K Nimaichand Singh on 'Extension Service to Artisans/Craftspersons', and Asst General Manager (MSCB Ltd) Ch Birchandra Singh on 'Credit Facilities to Artisans/Craftspersons' as the resource persons of the technical session.

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