Food processing to be promoted aggressively in Arunachal

ITANAGAR: The food processing industry in Arunachal Pradesh needs to be promoted aggressively as it is a sunrise industry and full of potential, Arunachal Pradesh Planning Secretary Sonam Chombay, Secretary (Planning) said here today.

"Food Processing Industry is a sunrise industry which has the potential of dramatically improving rural livelihood opportunities and briding the rural-urban divide," Sonam said while addressing a day-long conference on 'Linking Prospective Food Entrepreneurs with Government schemes and market', organized by ASSOCHAM in collaboration with the Union Ministry of Food Processing Industries.

He said food processing industry is critical for the development of the country as it establishes vital linkages between the two pillars of economy - agriculture and industry.

He also asked for a constructive partnership which would transform the food processing sector of the country and thereby also transform the fortunes of Arunachal Pradesh.

He urged to work in tandem to promote development of viable agribusiness and agro industry based on different agro climates and regions of the country with emphasis on institutional strengthening and capacity building across the value chain.

While praising ASSOCHAM for bringing this important agenda into notice by organizing the conclave, Sonam touched on various topics like attributes of a successful entrepreneur, challenges faced and the support and assistance provided by the government, educational institutes and apex industry bodies like ASSOCHAM.

He also said that the agro climatic condition of Arunachal Pradesh is suitable to agricultural and horticultural crops, and that a strong and effective food processing sector would play a significant role in employment generation as well as harnessing and exploiting local resources.