Imphal :Chief Minister of Manipur N. Biren Singh today inaugurated an Integrated Processing Unit of Organically Grown Fruits and Spices, a new unit of the Thangjam Agro Industries Pvt. Ltd. under Mission Organic Value Chain Development for North East Region (MOVCD-NER) at Food Park, Nilakuthi, Imphal.

Speaking as the chief guest of the inaugural function, the Chief Minister stated that the demand for organic products is a world-wide phenomenon as people are becoming more and more health conscious and further stressed on the need to identify items which have the potential to do well or are suitable in the State before starting a venture.

The Chief Minister also spoke on the benefits of organic products and the harmful effects of chemical fertilizers and said the government is laying much emphasis on organic farming, highlighting that organic farming has been expanded to  37,700 hectares (approx.) in 2022 from just about 5000 hectare in 2016.

Regarding platforms for marketing of products, the Chief Minister said it is not much of an issue now. He said today the government has a buy back policy and finding markets for the products and there are also cold storage facilities.

Further stressing that there is a high demand for organic products everywhere, the Chief Minister said that the Manipur Organic Mission Agency has opened organic outlets in some cities including at Bangalore, Pune, Delhi.

N. Biren Singh appreciated Thangjam Agro Industries Pvt. Ltd for its endeavour and assured all possible assistance from the government. The Chief Minister also appreciated North Eastern Development Finance Corporation Ltd (NEDFI) for their support to local entrepreneurs.

He further explained schemes and programmes such as the Start-Up, One family one livelihood,launch of Venture Fund in collaboration with NEDFi among others. He also highlighted approval for construction of a Mega Food Park under the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Sampada Yojana in the State.

Today Manipur is moving forward, the Chief Minister said. We are witnessing a change in the atmosphere, he said, highlighting the talents and skills of the people of the State.

N. Biren Singh deliberated that people from outside visiting the State were amazed by the discipline, hospitality and culture of the people of the State. The government is also working towards bringing a change in the State by incorporating positive suggestions, comments and advice from the public, he said.

The Chief Minister highlighted infrastructural developments being taken up in the State including foundation stone laying of a 5-star hotel, residential quarters at New Checkon, among others. He said the newly inaugurated projects like the Olympian Park, Sangai Ethnic Park, Nongpok Thong are of global standard.

He also emphasized on the construction of Youth Skilling Centres to impart skill development trainings to unemployed youth. Chief Minister N. Biren Singh also made a fervent appeal to the people for a joint effort against illegal drugs and other intoxicants citing that drugs and spurious liquor are highly affecting our society.

Expressing concern with the workings of private rehabilitation centres, the Chief Minister deliberated that rehabilitations should work towards bringing the addicts to the mainstream and normalcy through proper advice and consultation. The inaugural function was attended by Wangkhei MLA Th. Arun kumar Singh, Additional Chief Secretary (Hort. & SC) P. Vaiphei among others.

Later, N. Biren Singh also inspected the Fruit Preservation Factory (Magfruit) located inside the Food Park.