Correspondent
KOHIMA, JUNE 24
IN a step to create awareness and promote hygienic meat products, a programme on Modernisation of Meat Shops under National Mission on Food Processing (NMFP) 2013-17 was held at the Zonal Council Hall, Kohima on Tuesday involving various stakeholders.
OSD to state Industries & Commerce, B Longkumer in his opening remarks underscored that hygienic handling of meat is very important, more so in Nagaland as Nagas are “gregarious meat consumers”. He highlighted that the Central government has started the National Mission on Food Processing with different schemes under it, of which, Modernisation of Meat Shop is a part. He said this scheme provides adequate grand-in-aid for existing meat shop owners to modernize their establishments and will initially be introduced under the municipalities of Kohima, Dimapur and Mokokchung and will later cover the remaining districts.
The official informed that Industries & Commerce is the nodal department for the scheme. However, with the view that the public (consumers) will be the main beneficiaries of the scheme as they can acquire hygienic and good quality meat, various stakeholders such as the municipal body, meat dealers, relevant departments and public organizations including different ward members have been included in the awareness programme, he stated. The official emphasized that funds released for the purpose should be utilized in a proper manner and the public should also see to it that the schemes are implemented properly for the benefit of all.
Directorate of Industries & Commerce deputy director, Khrielie Peseyie who highlighted the NMFP scheme, said this scheme aims at improving the overall hygiene in the meat shops by providing basic infrastructure and equipment to ensure food safety rules and regulation compliances as per the FSS Act, 2006 and also caters to public health concerns as a whole.
He said that modernisation of meat shops will also help to protect and sustain the livelihoods of people involved while improving the competitiveness in the supply of wholesome meat through development of new retail chains.
He informed that all implementing agencies/organisations such as government/PEUs/Joint ventures/NGOs/Cooperatives/SHGs/Private sectors/individuals engaged in the operations of meat shops will be eligible for financial assistance under this scheme.
Directorate of Veterinary & Animal Husbandry deputy director, Dr. Hevito Shohe gave a PowerPoint presentation on Quality of Livestock & Meat, Establishment and Maintenance of Meat Shops. He gave an overview of handling of meat, animal transport, importance of ante-mortem and post-mortem examination of animals/meat, requirements of modern retail meat shop, establishment parameters, quality adherence practices, equipments involved, waste collection and disposal, facilities in retail shops, good hygienic practices, meat cutting and packaging, various methods of meat preservation and related regulation Acts and Rules.
FSO Kohima also highlighted the provisions under Food Safety & Standards Act while powerpoint presentations on Highlight of Prototypes (modernisation of meat) and Machinery & Equipments (for modernised meat shops) were delivered by the FPI cell, directorate of Industries & Commerce.
The programme was organised by the department of industries and commerce in coordination with Health & Family Welfare, Urban Development, Veterinary & Animal Husbandry and Kohima Municipal Council.
