Medziphema, August 10 (MExN): ASSOCHAM and Ministry of Food processing Industries, Government of India organized conference on ‘Linking Startups & SMEs in food processing with Government schemes & markets’ in partnership with ICAR-NRC on Mithun, Medziphema and Department of Industry, Government of Nagaland was inaugurated by Pankaj Kumar, Chief Secretary, Government of Nagaland on August 10.
The Chief Secretary said that in Nagaland there is significant business opportunity in processing of fresh fruits, vegetables, medicinal and aromatic plants, spices and herbs. Besides facilities have to be created for primary and secondary processing in the region by infusion of proper technology. Proper marketing linkages between farmers and manufacturers have to be established, so also technological support. He highlighted that farmers and entrepreneurs must join hands to bring in more economic benefit to community at large.
E-trading is another area, which the secretary wanted to be looked in seriously and advised department of agriculture to bring in proposal of amendment of APMC Act. Besides horticulture, other agri-allied produce including livestocks particularly pork and Mithun and fisheries sectors also need to be roped in for the profit.
Dr. Abhijit Mitra, Director, ICAR on Mithun, Medziphema in his welcome address outlined the need for organizing this Conference. He said that the Indian government has also been supporting budding entrepreneur through several incentives and schemes for the development of food processing Industry in various parts of the country especially in North east region. Highlighting the importance of mithun as a socio-cultural and economic symbol of North-east, Dr. Mitra emphasized to take full benefits of its potential.
Helie Rupreo, Director, Department of Agriculture, Government of Nagaland highlighted the importance of agriculture and challenges faced by the agri-community in the state, he said that today farming in Nagaland is mainly dependent on rain irrigation and alternate system and tools for farming in the state needs to be devised. Both forward and backward linkages is critical in the success of agricultural activity of any state and same is the case of Nagaland as well, in which the state is facing innumerable challenges. E-marketing is the future and needs to be taken seriously by all the stakeholders.
Chetan Vij, Assistant Director, ASSOCHAM extended vote of thanks and also said that the event intended to bring mass awareness about agri-horticulture scopes which could turn into a game changer for the state.
Announcing that Nagaland has been on atop ASSOCHAM’s radar, he announced that a three-day workshop-cum-exhibition involving the farmers would be conducted here in October-November next to give a special emphasis in the larger interest of the farmers to the thunderous applause of the gathering.
The Conference was attended by farmers, agri-startups, financial institutions and speakers of the conference were from various government and non-governmental institutions.
