Imphal: Manipur chief minister N. Biren Singh on Tuesday opened week long Mai-Own 2021, an exclusive exhibition of local products of global standard at Hapta Kangjeibung in Imphal East district.
The exhibition is being taken part by different government departments, self-help groups (SHGs) and entrepreneurs from across the state.
“The exhibition is organised in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s popular slogan, ‘Vocal for Local’ towards achieving Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India),” Biren said.
The Prime Minister was quite happy with the state’s recent progress in local production, he said. He asked the concerned officials to have a detailed analysis on which department is helping which type SHGs and what products are being produced. He also directed to prepare a report on how much local products are being exported outside the state and identify the top three departments for reward.
The departments may also recommend names of performing SHGs of groups or entrepreneurs to the planning department for assistance through Manipur StartUp scheme. In such a manner, the state may enhance production for economic prosperity and self-sufficient production, Biren said.
Commerce and industries minister Th. Biswajit said the exhibition is being organised to motivate entrepreneurs of the state so that they could produce quality products and get access to the world market. This would not only minimise unemployment but also contribute to the state’s economy achieving the goal of self-reliance with increased productivity, he added.
He also appealed to the public to extend co-operation to the government’s initiative in taking the state towards overall development. He said everyone should work together to give Manipur a new face in line with the New India Mission of the Prime Minister.
CAF and PD minister Th. Satyabrata, deputy Speaker Kongkham Robindro, advisor to chief minister Dr. Sapam Ranjan, chairman, Manipur Building and Other Construction Workers’ Welfare Board, Heikham Dingo and chairman, Loktak Development Authority L. Susindro, chief secretary Dr Rajesh Kumar and other government officials were also present at the occasion.
Taking centre stage on Day 1 of the exhibition are products made from bamboo, once known as the poor man’s timber which is referred to as green gold of forest due to the increase in global demand. Speaking to DIPR, N. Somorendro Singh, assistant state mission director, National Bamboo Mission Manipursaid starting from the smallest item like toothpick to its usage in furniture, construction and architecture, bamboo can be part of our day to day life and the business. Bamboo products can become a lucrative source of income and has tremendous potential especially in the North Eastern Region (NER)of the country including Manipur.
A beneficiary of Manipur government’s Start-up scheme first phase, Khwairakpam Nirmal of Yumnam Leikai told DIPR that he had availed Rs 3 lakhs in the year 2018 under Entrepreneur support and has produced Meitei Dhoop which is a mechanized Agarbati and first of its kind. His products have been exhibited during the Sangai festival and his sales proceeds are Rs 30,000 approximately per day in average.
Chawngneilien of Rural Consultancy and Assistance Centre, Rengkai, Churachandpur expressed his happiness for being a participant in the exhibition where he is showcasing about 300 items including ladies bag, purse, necktie, waistcoat among others. His products have been exported to foreign countries as well and have provided employment opportunity to around 120 people.
A total of 250 stalls were opened in the exhibition consisting of 205 as Commercial, 25 as Food stall and 20 departments—forest, planning, police, handloom and textiles, MAHUD, horticulture and soil conservation, DIPR and others.
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