The northeast region is rich in natural resources making it an extremely suitable place for the growth of Food Processing Sector. Recently, a food expo was held in Imphal to encourage entrepreneurs and food processing units and give a boost to the sector.
A large number of food processing units from Manipur recently showcased their produce at Imphal Food Expo held at Iboyaima Shumang Leela Shanglen.
The seven-day long event was organized by the Directorate Of Commerce And Industries Department, Government of Manipur, with an aim to encourage the people involved in the business and familiarizing them with the state of the art processing, production and packaging techniques and development of markets.
"I get profit from this expo and also Directors and Ministers visited here and taught us about the use of preserving food/fruits so we get knowledge from them. So I think it's very good," said Owner of the food processing unit Naorem Arujayenti Devi.
"There are lots of fruits and vegetables available here but people don't know how to preserve so it gets spoilt and wasted so I started preserving and made the different items out of it," added an exhibitor, Vidyalakshmi Devi.
The northeast region produces vast varieties of fruits, vegetables and other crops, making food-processing industry not just an opportunity but a necessity.
Besides reducing wastage of agro products, this will give a huge boost to the state's economy, if the products are marketed properly.
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The government has also been encouraging self-help groups and entrepreneurs to start their own food processing units.
"It is targeted towards the food processing industries, towards their development, marketing and exposure and showcasing of their products in the state, country and international markets. The food processing sector has great potential so we want our products to be showcased at different levels and give a chance to our entrepreneurs to expose themselves," said Deputy Director of Industries S Joykumar Singh.
During the event, loans were distributed by National Mission on Food Processing (NMFP) to selected beneficiaries of the food processing programme 2012-13.
There is a huge scope of growth in the food processing sector in Manipur, given the state's conducive environment for production of fruits and vegetables.
The sector possesses major potential for export and generation of employment as well.