Two day national conference kicks off Dy CM hardsells indigenous foods, beverages
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, April 11 2015 : The recent visits of different Union Ministers to Manipur might have given them tastes of various exotic and indigenous foods and beverages of Mani-pur, stated Deputy Chief Min- ister, Gaikhangam at the inau-gural function of a two day national conference held at Central Agricultural Univer-sity (CAU), Iroisemba.

The national conference on "Prospects and Challenges in Indigenous Foods and Drinks Sector" was organised by the Association of Food Scientists and Technologists (AFST) India, Manipur Chapter in collaboration with Department of Commerce and Industries under National Mission on Food Processing, Government of Manipur and CAU.

Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam attended the inaugural function as the chief guest while, Prof M Premjit, VC of CAU was the functional president and Dr H Prathap Kumar Shetty, president, AFST (I), Headquarters, CFTRI, Mysore, Prof JM Laishram, Dean of CAU, L Nanda Kumar, MLA Uripok A/C and chairman of the organizing committee M Ton- jao were the guests of honour.

Dy CM Gaikhangam at the national conference

Highlighting the needs of improving productivity of foods and drinks in the state, the Dy CM said that Manipur is home to various types of exotic and indigenous foods which need to be promoted by various means.

Even though food is a ba-sic requirement of all living beings, now the concept of food has changed a lot and people are more conscious of the health benefits of foods, he added.

He asserted "Not only is our State home to many indigenous foods which have many medicinal values, but the quality of foods we eat is far superior as compared to food items consumed in other parts of the country" .

Food habits of North East people are quite similar to that of South East Asian countries and this could be a cementing force for India's Act East Policy as and when it becomes operational.

He said, "Sports along with arts and culture are no doubt the two main areas where Manipur excels, but the indigenous cuisines and foods of the State can be another area where Manipur can earn fame and fortune" .

Dr H Prathap Kumar Shetty said that the significance of food processing has changed to such an extent that people are concerned on providing a regulated market for such products.

He added that the experts would give the participants the zeal to work for further development of food processing techniques coupled with various marketing strategies.

Unlike other medium and large scale industries, food processing industries do not pollute and harm the environment.

It not only provides employment to many people but also provides a steady market for entrepreneurs and farmers and stabilize the economy of a society and the nation at large, he added.

He propounded that various indigenous food products of the State should have the Geographical Indication (GI) tag to promote various foods locally available in the State all across the globe.

Prof JM Laishram in his speech said that food technology science has grown in such a way that with the right investment, a vast avenue of job opportunities can be created.

Prof M Premjit stated that the CAU encourages scientists and research scholars to conduct various research projects to dig deep into the benefits of various indigenous foods of Manipur.

He added that the university would be soon opening a college of food science for development of foods and drinks processing sector.

In the technical session of the national conference, various experts from all across the country presented papers on mix and cereal based indigenous foods and drinks.

A souvenir was also released in commemoration of the workshop.

The conference is scheduled to conclude on April 12 .