Smoked pork business keeps alive siblings' dream
Source: Chronicle News Service / Ngangom Suraj

Imphal, March 12 2024: To any pork lover, a simple conversation on "Smoked Pork" is certain to make one salivate but getting hands on it is not so easy owing to scarcity in the market and the exhaustive process involved.

However, thanks to a group of siblings from Keishamthong Longjam Leikai led by Tony Thokchom (34) along with Thokchom Abethoi and Thokchom Rohan, sons and daughter of Th Indrakumar and Nganbi, the issue of deficiency of "Smoked Pork" in the market has been addressed to some extent while at the same time making themselves self-reliant, financially.

Under the brand "Smoked Pork Manipur," the siblings also produce a range of other edibles including meat pickles and ready-to-serve meats.

The team is setting an example and sending out the message that any type of profession should be respected equally, and no occupation is superior or inferior to the other.

Therefore, there is the need for the authorities concerned to pay heed to such hardworking youths so that more job opportunities could be created.

In an exclusive interview with The People's Chronicle, Tony Thokchom, the eldest brother leading the business, recalled that their business started in November, 2022 when half a kilogram of 2 kg smoked pork that he had prepared was purchased by one supportive friend, Johny Yumnam and his family, at Rs 300."That Rs 300 was a life changing sum of money", Tony said with a sense of confidence and pride.

He further recounted that in the formative stage they struggled to sell even 2 kg of smoked pork but now the demand averages 20 Kg alongside other products.

Tony also informed that price of their products range from Rs 150 to Rs 950 and include smoked pork (normal), smoked pork boneless vacuum sealed, spicy smoked beef, spicy beef 'singju' (salad like), shredded spicy chicken, chicken pickle, pork with soibum (fermented bamboo shoot), etc., all of which are prepared without preservatives.

All of their products, for now, are sold through social media platform, Instagram having more than 6000 followers, he said, while also expressing his desire to open a sale outlet.

While revealing that large number of customers used to be from Ukhrul, Chandel, Senapati and Churachandpur districts apart from receiving supply orders from outside the state, he lamented that the current ethnic conflict has not only affected his business but economy of the whole state.

Pointing out that the group faces problems of manpower shortage, support, modern machinery and finance, Tony said he could earn nothing less than what an average government employee enjoys as salary in a month, but at present most of his profits are invested in purchasing new equipment and enhancing quality of their products.

Stressing the need to use internet wisely, Tony said that he had the passion to test his culinary skill since childhood and also scouted the internet, especially YouTube to get acquainted with cooking different dishes.

While his sister, who underwent training on pickle making, assist him in preparing his products, his younger brother manages supply order and deliveries besides extending help in preparation, Tony revealed.

While opining that one shouldn't compare any profession of his/her choice with other jobs or occupation, he suggested that rather than running after the scarce government jobs, unemployed youth, especially the educated ones, should understand their passion and apply skills and knowledge acquired through studies to earn their livelihood in the real word.

By doing so, youth can not only become self-reliant but also contribute to the state's economy.

(The report has been filed under the 4th Award in Scientific Journalism Programme on the topic "Successful Entrepreneurship & Students Agriculture and allied sector", organised by Public Relation & Media Management Cell, Central Agricultural University, Hq., Lamphelpat, Imphal.

Information and publicityofficer and head PRMM Cell, CAU Dr Indira Thounaojam can be contacted through [email protected] for more details) .

Comment