SHILLONG: Chief Minister Mukul Sangma said processing and packaging of food should conform to stringent food safety requirements and brand building should revolve around high-end products, which should be exclusive and unique to the State.
Attending the valedictory function of the two-day state-level workshop on business opportunities in food processing, packaging and tourism under National Mission on Food Processing here on Tuesday, the chief minister urged the entrepreneurs to look at the options available in agriculture, horticulture, tourism and industries and become successful entrepreneurs with dedication, hard work, sincerity and innovation.
Sangma said the workshop is important and relevant for Meghalaya and for the youth who are looking at entrepreneurship.
A.L Hek, chairman of Meghalaya Industrial Development Corporation, said the State is home to a number of temperate and sub-tropical fruits and vegetables that have potential in food processing and will also generate employment in rural areas.
He said the unemployed youth in the State needs handholding and urged the Department of Commerce and Industry to help them explore the potentials in food industry and tourism.
Promotional schemes and policies for horticultural products, management of food processing enterprises, bamboo as source of health food and nutrition, food safety standards authority of Indian Act, exploring the nature and traditional knowledge for business with focus on Meghalaya, flexible packaging materials, promotional schemes and policies for development of tourism and convergence of schemes by various resource persons were the topics discussed during the two-day workshop that was attended by entrepreneurs from all over the State.
Call for hygienic food
The A’chik Youth Council has written to Health and Family Welfare Minister Roshan Warjri through the deputy commissioner of West Garo Hills urging her to send samples of fish, fruits and vegetables brought from outside the State to the laboratory to ensure safety.
The youth council also sought ban on use of newspapers for wrapping food items in the unorganised food sector as per the guidelines of the Food Safety and Standard Authority of India.
