Vendor development programme kicks off
Source: The Sangai Express / DIO

Thoubal, October 19 2026: A two day vendor development programme (VDP) kicked off today at the Salungpham Kangyambem Community Hall, Thoubal district under the Raising & Acceleration of MSME Performance (RAMP) Scheme.

The development programme was organised by the Directorate of Commerce & Industries, Manipur in collaboration with the District Industries Centre (DIC), Thoubal.

Addressing the gathering, Designated Officer, Food Safety Administration, Thoubal Yumnam Satyajeet Singh highlighted the importance of food safety, hygiene and compliance in ensuring the quality and safety of products, particularly for food related enterprises.

Stressing on the focus area of the RAMP scheme, resource person Amow Ngaopuo said that women self-help groups (SHGs) can avail the benefits of the scheme and get subsidies from the Government.

He also delivered a session on the RAMP programme and its ongoing schemes.

He explained about the 2 percent annual interest subvention scheme for women owned MSMEs and the Logistics Strengthening Scheme that provides reimbursement of about one-third of the eligible transportation costs.

General Manager DIC Thoubal Oinam Deben emphasized on the importance of the VDP and Udyam Registration in supporting MSMEs.

He further referred to the branding and packaging programmes conducted earlier, noting their role in improving entrepreneurs' knowledge of branding, product presentation and the associated business benefits.

Kouna craft can be described as a product having a distinct identity of Thoubal amongst the various products the VDPs of Manipur, he added.

District Informatics Officer Sapam Lalhari spoke on the importance of e-commerce and the Government e-marketplace, explaining how digital platforms can help MSMEs expand their market reach and access new business opportunities.

A technical session was also conducted covering topics on Government support schemes, business development, logistics assistance, digital commerce and opportunities for MSMEs to strengthen their competitiveness.

Stalls of handlooms and handicraft items of Manipur were also opened during the programme.

It may be mentioned that the primary goal of the programme is to establish a dynamic market platform that will bridge the gap between local producers, MSMEs, Self-Help Groups provides training,expert support, business development services to help sellers improve their capabilities, register on procurement platforms and secure real purchase orders.

District Mission Manager MSRLM RK Nikita; Project Manager Handlooms, Anuradha Rajkumari; Consultant Grant Thornton Konthoujam Robinson also attended as the presidium members.

Officials and staff of DIC, Thoubal and members of various SHGs of the district took part in the programme.

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