Imphal: Minister of State for Food Processing Industries and Jal Shakti Prahlad Singh Patel launched seven indigenous food products Saturday at the Conference Hall of the Old Secretariat, Imphal.
The indigenous food products are Black Rice Ladoo, Black Rice Fruit & Nut Cookies, Hot and Spicy Bhujia, Kabok Mixture, Manipuri Casava Burfi, Bamboo Shoot Murabba and Fig Ladoo.
Minister Textiles, Commerce and Industries Thongam Biswajit Singh, who is also chairman of the Manipur Food Industries Corporation Limited (MFICL) also attended the function.
Speaking at the function, Patel said that across the globe, we have high demands for Indian goods including those from the North-Eastern states. However, our main concern is maintaining the high quality of manufactured items, which is also the consumers’ expectation, he said.
Emphasizing the importance of proper packaging and branding in marketing manufactured items, the MoS lauded the MFICL for the quality packaging of the newly launched food items.
Patel observed that Manipur has several rich items like Black Rice; however, branding of any item on a State-level requires a name or a symbol.
He further highlighted the importance of maintaining quality and said that a strong message should be shared with clusters and individuals involved in running food processing enterprises against compromising with the quality of their products.
Food processing is a focus area of the Prime Minister, he said, adding that materials available in the North East are mostly from the hills and forest and products from these materials are in high demand inside and outside the country.
However, these products still need certain requirements, like inscription of scientific and detailed information on the products, branding and marketing and transportation, he added.
Biswajit said MFICL was an unheard of sector in the Commerce and Industries department in the past, but today with the concerted efforts of all involved, everyone knows MFICL.
The Minister said what we are doing today will contribute in realizing the dreams of the Prime Minister and the Chief Minister. The product launch today is the beginning, we will be launching more in the future, he said.
Stating that unemployment is a big challenge, he said we have to provide jobs to our youngsters. MFICL started with only Rs.10 lakh and has now created so many things, he said.
We should utilize our resources including human resources, the Minister said, stating that we should contribute in realization of Hon’ble Prime Minister’s vision of Make in India and Vocal for Local.
Delivering the welcome speech at the function, MFICL Managing Director Peter Salam said that under the vision and leadership of Textiles, Commerce and Industries Minister and Chairman MFICL, Thongam Biswajit Singh, MFICL initiated a project “Incubation Lab” in collaboration with TQS Global, Ghaziabad with a mere budget provision of Rs.10 lakh. The aim of the project is to assist any entrepreneur with an idea to transform the idea into reality and provide market linkage as part of Make in Manipur initiative to promote indigenous food products.
He said labeling and packaging of the products are being done at Imphal, Delhi and Mumbai to achieve fine branding and attractive display.
He said for marketing and distribution, efforts are being made to market locally and outside the State, with outlets at metropolitan cities. This, he said, will showcase the State’s potential in food processing at the national market.
Saturday’s function was also attended by MFICL vice chairman K. Saratkumar Singh, concerned officials and members of Leimalel Food, AMI Food Products and Vedam Agro Enterprises, who had developed the products launched today.
