Local entrepreneurs who received some kind of skill development training in Manipur came out with many valued added products.
These include essential oils, hair oil, perfume and toiletries made out of aromatic medicinal plants such as lemon grass and agar wood etc.
These products were displayed and exhibited on the sidelines of a day-long stakeholder workshop and presentation on government policies and initiatives in Imphal on Monday.
The event was held under the aegis of Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Development Commissionerate.
It aimed to provide an introduction of Technology Centre Systems Programme and to understand stakeholders’ needs, challenges and their expectations from Technology Centre.
Principal secretary P Vaiphei of the State Commerce and Industry, Divesh Gautam, E&Y (programme management unit), K P Lal of KPMG, a multi-national professional services network, principal director S V Shukla of Fragrance and Flavour Development Centre, Kannauj, director in charge Taliwati Longchar of MSME-DI Imphal attended the workshop.
In his speech, principal secretary Vaiphei of the State Textile, Commerce and Industry said the value addition aspect of medicinal and aromatic plants in the State and the region’s potential in medicinal plants are much better than other states.
He appealed to the people in the region to prepare things in order well in advance before the opening of the doors of India’s gateway to South East Asian countries.
He further agreed to accept the offer to provide training to the state officials and students on certain aspects.
The upcoming entrepreneurs also exhibited their perfumes, hair oil and essential oil made out of lemon grass, agarwood, sandalwood etc as part of the workshop.
Imphal based enterprises such as MIDC Enterprises and Lois Essentials also exhibited hair oil, perfumes and others while LL Agro-Tech from Bishnupur produces similar products extracted from medicinal plants.
At the same time, 10-year-old Churachandpur district based Thangching Herbal Enterprises which aims to bring out a sustainable farming practice in the hills of Manipur, displayed essential oils.
“We are also planning to launch room freshner soon,” says Siam Laingek of Thangching herbals.
The perfume and fragrances producer Rehhal Group based in Kwakta in Bishnupur district also present with its products including attar scents etc.
According to experts, lemon grass, native plant to tropical countries such as India, China, and Thailand has traditionally been used as a flavoring agent in foods, drinks, and desserts.
But for its ability to boost circulation and immunity, is among the most popular essential oils used today for its effectiveness, health benefits, and a wide variety of applications.