Our Reporter
Dimapur, Oct. 7 (EMN): Reminding that there is time for everything, Nagaland Agriculture Production Commissioner (APC), Y Kikheto Sema, stated that it is high time for the Nagas to usher in peace and development and also work out plans to instill the importance of work culture, self-reliance and entrepreneurship culture to promote economic growth in the state.
Sema stated this at the one-day workshop to promote entrepreneurship culture in Nagaland, organised by Agri and Allied department and sponsored by Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME), government of India, at Rhododendron Hall of the Police Complex in Chümoukedima on October 7. Informing that the concept of entrepreneurship culture has shown positive trend post COVID pandemic, Sema stated it now time to all logistical support.
With limited scope for large and medium scale industries in Nagaland, Sema stated that the only hope is agri and allied activities. He also informed that Nagaland is blessed with a variety of agro-climatic zones where all types of fruits and vegetables could be grown. Nagaland being untouched by the green revolution, he stated that whatever crops grown are organic by default.
Citing the potentials of agriculture and horticulture sectors in Nagaland, Sema said the state produces the hottest chilli, sweetest pineapple, softest cucumber, and one of the best coffees in the world.
Pointing out the limited scope for government job, Sema has encouraged to avail the schemes and policies of the government of India, particularly those of the Ministry of MSME.
Highlighting the success story of the Organic AC market, which was inaugurated in 2021, Sema stated that in less than two years the state was able to go to market products to a tune of 15 lakh kg with Phek district being the highest contributor.
On the occasion, Sema urged the young entrepreneurs to address the import of goods from others states. According to him, the state spend about INR 1250 crore on meat products, INR 550 crore on fruits, vegetable and others in a year. The second expenditure is on education outside the state which accounted to INR 1200 crore.
Delivering a keynote address, the joint secretary of MSME, Mercy Epao gave an overview on MSME policies, functions and objectives. Epao also shared that 45% of national manufacturing output were contributed through MSME towards economic development of the nation. MSME contributed about 49% of total exports, 30% contribution to GDP, 11 crore employment in the MSME sector and more than 6000 products ranging from traditional to high technology.
Topics on MSME sector, credit facilitation, capacity Linkage and competitiveness, and market linkage and competitiveness were covered at the one-day workshop.
The success stories were also shared by successful entrepreneurs of the state.