Mizoram governor Kummanam Rajasekharan on Wednesday said the availability of raw materials, changing lifestyles and appropriate policies have given ample scope for Startups and MSMEs in Food Processing sector.
Speaking at a ‘Conference on Startups and MSMEs in Food Processing’ organized by ASSOCHAM in collaboration with Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI), NABARD and Mizoram University, held at Aizawl governor Rajasekharan said the food processing industry has emerged as one of the important segments in terms of its contribution to Indian economy and is one of the major employment intensive industries and serves as a vital link between the agriculture and industrial segments of the economy.
He said Mizoram is endowed with various sorts of fruits, vegetables and other agro-products and there are immense opportunities present in food processing in the state. He highlighted that different agro based Boards headquartered in Kerala have agreed to come and help the concerned people develop the sector. He further said development of the food processing industry will lead to generation of huge income and thereby lead towards self sufficiency of the state.
Vice Chancellor of Mizoram University Prof KRS Sambasiva Rao emphasized the need to expose the local talent to different technologies and schemes available. He said the budding entrepreneurs would then have a sense of the industry and become motivated.
He said a proposal has been submitted to the state government for creation of a technological and innovation park on a public private partnership (PPP) mode, inviting entrepreneurs from all over the country and thus generate employment. He said the Mizoram University was willing to take mentorship on this front and guide the local entrepreneurs. He also said Mizoram has huge potential on foods, fruits, spices, flowers and even beverages which has a good export value.
Assistant Director of ASSOCHAM Chetan Vij delivered the welcome address while General Manager of NABARD, Mizoram RK Srivastava presented a banking perspective on different financial assistance and schemes available for the entrepreneurs. Dr KP Chaudhary (Senior Scientist and Head), KVK, College of Veterinary Sciences and Animal Husbandry, Central Agricultural University, Selesih also delivered a thematic address on today’s conference.