Prahlad Patel suggests better packaging of food products
Source: Chronicle News Service / DIPR

Imphal, August 21 2021: Union Minister of State for Food Processing Industries & Jal Shakti Prahlad Singh Patel launched seven indigenous food products during a function held at the Conference Hall of Old Secretariat, here on Saturday.

The indigenous food products are black rice laddoo, black rice fruit & nut cookies, hot and spicy bhujia, kabok mixture, Manipuri cassava burfi, bamboo shoot muraba and fig laddoo.

Textiles, Commerce & Industries minister Thongam Biswajit, who is also chairman of Manipur Food Industries Corporation Limited (MFICL), also attended the function.

Speaking at the function, Prahlad Patel informed that across the globe, there are high demands for Indian goods including those from the north eastern states.

However, the main concern is maintaining high quality of the manufactured items, which is also the consumers' expectation, he said.

Emphasizing the importance of proper packaging and branding in marketing manufactured items, the MoS lauded MFICL for the quality packaging of the newly launched food items.

Prahlad Patel also observed that Manipur has several rich items like black rice; however, branding of any item on a state-level requires a name or a symbol.

He further highlighted the importance of maintaining quality and said that a strong message should be shared with clusters and individuals involved in running food processing enterprises against compromising with the quality of their products.

Food processing is a focus area of the Prime Minister, he said, adding that materials available in the north east are mostly from the hills and forest, and products from these materials are in high demand inside and outside the country.

However, these products still need certain requirements like inscription of scientific and detailed information on the products, branding and marketing and transportation, he pointed out.

In his address, Biswajit said that MFICL was an unheard of sector in the commerce and Industries department in the past, but today with the concerted efforts of all involved, everyone knows MFICL.

The minister said, "What we are doing today will contribute in realizing the dreams of the prime minister and the chief minister.

The products launched today are the beginning, we will be launching more in the future".

Noting that unemployment is a big challenge, he said, "We have to provide jobs to our youngsters.

MFICL was started with only Rs 10 lakh and it has now created so many thing's".

"We should utilize our resources including human resources," Biswajit said, adding, "We should contribute towards realization of the prime minister's vision of make in India and vocal for local".

Delivering the welcome speech of the function, MFICL managing director Peter Salam said that under the vision and leadership of Textiles, Commerce & Industries minister and chairman MFICL, Thongam Biswajit, MFICL initiated a project "Incubation Lab" in collaboration with TQS Global, Ghaziabad with a mere budget provision of Rs 10 lakh.

The aim of the project is to assist any entrepreneur with an idea to transform the idea into reality and provide market linkage as part of 'Make in Manipur' initiative to promote indigenous food products.

He said that labelling and packaging of the products are being done at Imphal, Delhi and Mumbai to achieve fine branding and attractive display.

The MFICL managing director further informed that for marketing and distribution, efforts are being made to market locally and outside the state, with outlets opened at metropolitan cities.

This, he said, will showcase the state's potential in food processing at the national market.

The function was also attended by MFICL vice chairman K Saratkumar Singh, officials and members of Leimalel Food, AMI Food Products and Vedam'Agro Enterprises, which developed the products launched on Saturday.

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