“Without stable economy there will be no peace”

8th Sirarakhong Hathei Phanit kicks off

IMPHAL | Sept 6

Commerce and industries minister, Thongam Biswajit inaugurated the 8th Sirarakhong Hathei (Chilli) Phanit today at the Sirarakhong Village and ensured all forms of assistance from the government to the chilli growers.

Addressing the inaugural function, Biswajit encouraged the chilli growers to work harder. He assured that he will discuss with the chief minister ways to promote the festival so as to increase production of the chilli and provide a market.

He pointed out that the chilli variety grown in the village is not found anywhere else which is indigenous to Sirarakhong Village and the same variety, when planted at other places, loses its uniqueness and production as well as taste, flavour and size.

Biswajit also spoke on the feasibility of producing hybrids of the chilli. He continued that it is unfortunate that no initiative has been taken to open a common facility centre. In this regard, he said the CM will be appraised and also look into what the KVKs, ICAR have been doing so far.

Biswajit also spoke elaborately on the Zero Defect, Zero Effect scheme and also urged the Shirarakhong chilli growers to apply for registration of their products under ZED which will only increase the marketability of their products in the global market.

He continued that we can easily find markets for chillis, but we have to attract investors and entrepreneurs to improve production. He said that he will submit a proposal for setting up of a CFC project, adding there is need for entrepreneurs and investors.

Further, the minister maintained that without a stable economy there will be no peace. The government is there to provide jobs to the youth, however, government job alone is not employment, and we need to open more self-employment avenues.

Biswajit also said that the government is committed to achieve 1.5 lakh employment generations in a year in the State under the various government departments. This will ensure 7 lakh employment generations in five years.

Explaining welfare schemes including the KISAN SAMPADA, the minister said that there is a need to spread awareness of the schemes to the people.

There are many schemes of the government, but we are not informative and lack of awareness of the many schemes of the government, he continued. We are unable to explore our resources and talents, he said. He continued that it is unfortunate that we have failed to properly exploit the nature provided resources available to open more employment avenues for the youth.

The inaugural function was also attended by Keirao MLA, L. Rameshwor Singh among others.

The festival organised with an objective to promote the indigenous variety of Shirarakhong chili will continue till September 8. The first day of the festival was also attended by people from various parts of the State.