Conclave on food processing held
Source: The Sangai Express / DIPR

Imphal, June 25 2018: A one day Food Processing Conclave under the theme 'Awareness and Upgradation of technology and promotion of Kishan Sampada Yojana' was held at Hotel Classic Grande today.

The Conclave was jointly organized by the Ministry of Food Processing Industries, India and Indian Chamber of Commerce with the support of Department of Commerce and Industries, Manipur.

The occasion was graced by Sadhvi Niranjan Jyoti, Minister of State, Ministry of Food Processing Industries, India as chief guest.

While addressing the gathering, Sadhvi Niranjan Jyoti said that the main objective of the Government is to increase the income of farmers by almost double.

Farmers of every State should not be left behind, especially in Manipur since the State has a rich soil.

The Food Processing Ministry has been progressing during the last few years and there are many schemes such as Mega Food Park, Cold Chain, Kishan Sampada Scheme, Backward power linkage inits inventory.

Although it is difficult to earmark 50 acres of land for Food Park at some places in every state, the Ministry has proposed small units (after proper identification) and if a Food Park cannot be set up on 12 acres of land, the same land can be used to set up a Cold Chain that deals directly with the farmers, she explained.

She also declared that the Ministry is providing 35 percent subsidy for Meghalaya region and 75 percent for Manipur (out of which only 25 percent will be borne by the beneficiaries).

Pointing out that there are certain factors like the willingness of the Government, conditions of the industry, water, electricity etc to be provided by the Government, she also stated that Manipur, being the gateway to the Asian Highway, the Ministry is ready to assist in making the Kishan Sampada Yojana a success.

Speaking as the guest of honour, Th Biswajit, Commerce & Industries, Minister said that the State is moving forward in every field.

Although the State is small as compared to others, it has a good climatic condition, fertile land, water and natural resources especially in agriculture and horticulture areas.

Unfortunately, food products have to be imported from neighbouring States due to the lack of means for preservation of food products and also due to the lack of adequate marketing facilities in the State.

He further stated that if the State happens to have Cold Chains, 40 percent of the food can be saved from going to waste.

The Minister also requested the Ministry to reduce the loan compound interest levied onto the entrepreneurs.

The function was also attended by Dr J Suresh Babu, Chief Secretary, Manipur, as special guest, P Vaiphei, Principal Secretary (Trade, Commerce & Industries), Manipur, C Arthur Worchuiyo, Director, Trade, Commerce and Industries, Manipur, Madhuparna Bhowmick, Additional Director, Indian Chamber of Commerce.

Later, in the technical session, Dr CA Srinivasamurthy, Director of Research, CAU, Manipur, Dr Danie Shalie, IIT Kharagpur, Y Raj Kumar, AGM, NABARD, Manipur, SK Singsit, United Bank of India and ThangjamJoykumar Singh, Managing Director, Thangjam Agro Industries Pvt Ltd presented papers on New Scheme PM Kisan SAMPADA Yojana as resource persons.

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