Enthused by the visit of Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma at his project site, Meghalaya's first recipient of the "entrepreneur of the month" award, Perastill R Marak, is confident that his food products would soon be available both locally and across the country.
Perastill is into manufacturing of products such as chips, juice and cookies made out of locally available fruits like banana, jackfruit and tapioca.
He received the "Entrepreneur of the Month" award given by the state government recently.
Through the award, the chief minister wants to promote local entrepreneurs with active support and collaboration with the Meghalaya Institute of Entrepreneurship (MIE).
"I hope in the coming years, people will be able to get my products at a local store and online anytime, not just in Meghalaya but everywhere in the country," Perastill told PTI after the CM's visit on Friday.
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Perastill said he was excited to see the chief minister taking time out of his busy schedule to come and visit him.
The "Entrepreneur of the Month" award is the brain child of the chief minister. The programme has been conceptualised with an innovative social media and branding strategy to promote local entrepreneurs and their products wherein he (CM) acts as an ambassador to position their products in the market.
The chief minister has big plans for entrepreneurs.
The government is seeking to create a platform for all the unique products of Meghalaya, and efforts are on to make the online and off line market available to them, officials said.
"We are starting this initiative to connect our entrepreneurs to the global market. I am of the view that marketing and awareness of our value added products will not only boost the image of the state but will unleash the potential of our products, which will enable sustainable livelihood opportunities," Conrad said.
The chief minister said that there are many silent but success stories from the hill state that needs to be shared. A video showing such success stories from the state will be out soon.
Taking into consideration the potential and power of digital media, Conrad said, "I am of the strong conviction that by creating video stories, we will be able to market and popularise such initiatives as well as encourage young and budding entrepreneurs."
Perastill's video story will be put up in social media platform soon that will showcase the chief ministers visit to his manufacturing unit.
A personal appeal from the chief minister and the serious intention of the government to brand, package and position the products in the market will also be included.
Apart from promoting existing entrepreneurs the government will embark on a special initiative to identify talents and hone their skills by promoting startups, business development and marketing strategy.
"We will be organising business idea competition at state and district levels to promote young people to start entrepreneurial activities and support them by sanctioning seed money to start their ventures," he said.
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