A workshop was organized by Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MOFPI) in association with Federation of Industry and Commerce of North Eastern Region (FINER) as industry partner and supported by Industry and Commerce Department, Govt. of Mizoram at Aijal Club in Aizawl, Mizoram on the 27th of January, 2020. A large contingent of entrepreneurs of Agri-Based Products, Self Help Groups, Chamber of Commerce from all over Mizoram attended the day long event.
Speaking at the workshop, Union Minister of State ,Ministry of Food Processing Industries, Shri Rameswar Teli unfolded various schemes to boost the food processing industry in the state. He unveiled the Central Government’s road map for incentivizing existing and aspiring entrepreneurs in this sector. Shri Rameswar Teli said that the entire North East has huge potential for Agri-Based enterprises and several attractive schemes are already in place in the PMKSY policy framework including financial incentives for Mega Food Parks, Integrated Cold Chain to assist entrepreneurs to establish market linkage across the country and also for exports to ASEAN countries. The minister announced Government plans to establish a Mega/Mini Food Park in all the 8 states of North East Region out of which few have already completed and working.
Shri C Ramhluna, Vice Chairman, Industrial Development Board, Government of Mizoram has highly appreciated the schemes of PMKSY and spoke about the benefits of the schemes and how the entrepreneurs of Mizoram can avail it and get benefitted. He further in his speech thanked the Union Minister for taking out his valuable time and attended the seminar to share his expertise and views.
Shri S.N. Mallik, General Manager, NABARD, Aizawl, outlined the benefits of the financial schemes offered by the NABARD and said there is still a huge potential in this sector to be harnessed by the entrepreneurs, Farm Producer Organisations to bring about a revolution in the Food Processing industry in the region and his organization is very willing to help them get the finances.
Shri P. Jawahar, Secretary, Industry and Commerce, Government of Mizoram, offered all support to this sector from the state government in this sector. He said that it is heartening to see that Mizoram has huge resources of Agri-Based products like Ginger, passion fruit, dragon fruit, kiwi etc which can be processed, packaged and can exported to other countries.
Shri Amrit Deorah, Director, FINER, in his address highlighted the sincere efforts being made by Centre, State Govt and FINER to create an ecosystem for the entrepreneurs to thrive and prosper in this lucrative sector. The workshop was addressed by eminent local experts from food Processing Industries, NABARD, NABCONS, Financial sector, Private Equity Investors ,Project Management Agencies of Government, Investors, successful entrepreneurs. Senior officials of the Government of Mizoram Industry Department attended the workshop and assured all assistance to aspiring Entrepreneurs There were also six local exhibitors Mizoram who have showcased their products.
