MSME set to assist farmers in every step of the way
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, September 10 2018:
A one day training programme on "Processing and marketing of medicinal and aromatic plants" was conducted at Imphal Technology Centre of Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) today.
The training programme, organised by Manipur Small Farmers' Agri-Business Consortium (MSFAC) and MSME Technology Centre, Imphal was graced by Commerce and Industries Principal Secretary P Vaiphei as chief guest.
While, AYUSH Director Dr A Guneshwor, MSFAC project coordinator M S Khaidem, MSME Technology Centre project coordinator Dr S Yoirentomba Meetei and Apunba Manipur Maiba Maibi Phurup president N Tombi Raj attended the event as presidium members.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr S Yoirentomba Meetei conveyed that the MSME Technology Centre in Nilakuthi was set up under the Ministry of MSME mainly to provide opportunities to farmers and entrepreneurs.
He informed that the MSME is set to assist the farmers in every step of the way from the stage of plantation, to cultivation, producing value added products and providing necessary linkage in the market.
Yoirentomba further stated that the training programme was organised considering the importance of disseminating information and knowledge about the processing and marketing of medicinal and aromatic plants to the targeted groups.
MSFAC project coordinator M S Khaidem said that consortium started off in 2000 prior with a focus to promote high-valued medicinal plants in the State.
The consortium was aware of the drawbacks including the small area for plantation, but it did not sway from producing high value medicinal plants even with minimum quantity.
Khaidem further said that the centre aims to raise awareness among the farmers about quality produces which improves their financial condition and give knowledge to entrepreneurs about the technology and marketing process as well.
The service of MSFAC extends not only to farmers but to fish farmers and livestock rearers as well, he informed.
He urged the farmers to engage in the plantation and production of medicinal plants only when they have a genuine buyer or company/firm who wants to buy the plants for processing different products.
Khaidem assured to extend maximum help whenever possible.
On the other hand, N Tombi Raj said that a book written by Dr SC Sinha titled "Medicinal plants of Manipur" describes the name and uses of 1200 plants.
The book mentioned that it has discovered new plants as well.
Tombi Raj further added that there are incidents where the medicinal plants have been sold carelessly without knowing the true benefits of the plants.
He urged all to be fully aware of the benefits and uses of these medicinal plants and work together in promoting, processing and marketing of these plants.