Shillong, Nov 15: Meghalaya Governor, Ganga Prasad said that there is immense potential of
agro-based industries in Meghalaya and acknowledged the abundance of natural resources and increase in agricultural produce in the state.
Addressing the inaugural session of a one-day
national conference on “Linking Startups and SMEs in Food Processing with Government Schemes & Markets”, organized by the Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industries of India in collaboration with Ministry of Food & Processing Industries, and ICAR Research Centre for NEH Region, Umiam, the Governor emphasized the need for developing food processing sector in the region.
Referring to the significance of the food processing sector, the Governor said that a significant proportion of the agriculture produce get wasted during transition from place of production to consumption as well as during storage.
He suggested the Centre to accord priority to the development of this sector with a number of schemes for infrastructure development, fiscal relief and incentives.
“Through all these measures, efforts have been made to encourage commercialization and value addition to agriculture produce, minimize post harvest wastage, generate employment and boost exports of processed food, he said.
Other dignitaries including officers from the Meghalaya government took part in the conference.