Role of state govt crucial in implementation of entrepreneurial schemes

Our Correspondent
Kohima | March 19

The crucial role played by state governments in ensuring that a conducive environment is created for entrepreneurs was highlighted during the valedictory programme of a nine day long Skill Development Training on Cardamom Fibre Craft at Pfutsero on Friday.

The training which started on March 11 was organised as part of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activity of the North Eastern Development Finance Corporation Ltd (NEDFi) in association with Spices Board of India and Phek Organic Large Cardamom Producer Company Limited (POLCPC Ltd) in collaboration with Chakhesang Women Welfare Society (CWWS).

Nagaland’s Planning & Coordination, Land Revenue and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Neiba Kronu graced the valedictory function as the special guest and gave away certificates to 25 trainees from cardamom growing villages of Phek district.

The minister was appreciative of NEDFi and Spices Board for coming forward to help the cardamom farmers and hoped that it would boost cardamom activity in Phek district.

From waste to wealth
A speech from the Director, Ministry of Micro, Small & Medium, Enterprises, Government of India Mercy Epao was also read out at the function where she stated that ‘From Waste to Wealth’ is the new mantra as people have become more conscious of the fast depleting natural resources and green environment. “There is a huge potential to leverage the various (considered) waste materials into products for markets which will alleviate poverty and give livelihood and employment to many,” she said.

Talking on technology intervention, she felt that the state government/ NGOs must explore every possible avenue for establishing technology centers where relevant technologies/machines (indigenously made by IITs/ICAR/Department of Science & Technology/ Department of Biotechnology/CSIR etc) are made available to the micro/rural entrepreneurs for use in manufacturing of various handicrafts/products.

On design interventions, she stated that markets are dynamic and therefore, it is critical to engage professionals from National Institute of Designs (NID) to meet the market demands.

We have to keep the standards and price competitiveness of not only domestic but international market when we manufacture any products, she added.

She further stated that the COVID -19 pandemic has shown that e-markets are here to stay and would only grow bigger and emphasised that competency to launch the products on e-platforms and operate the apps/social media etc., must be taken seriously.

Stating that skilling and training are crucial, Epao further stated that identifying the potential entrepreneurs and building their capacity is an important step, along with branding, certification, GI tagging, packaging, marketing etc., which are important components in the value chain of entrepreneurship eco system.

She said the loans offered to SC/ST entrepreneurs are 25% subsidy under SCLCS of ministry of MSME for loans up to Rs 1 crore, along with other benefits for the entrepreneurs which must be optimized.

Epao also underscored that there are National SC/ST Hub scheme and International Scheme in ministry of MSME which provide funding to entrepreneurs to participate in various fairs/exhibitions both domestic and international. This empowers entrepreneurs to understand the trends and eco system of markets and to see the international standards for improving their own products, she added.

Stating that the role of state government is crucial since implementation of all schemes run through them, she said, “It is important to have good networking with the Lead Banks for loans for the entrepreneurs and to submit various projects to Central Government which the State Government must initiate.”

Epao was hopeful that many more collaborations for training/ product development/ marketing will take place even in the days ahead to leverage the huge untapped talents amongst the people.

Others who spoke at the programme included Ashim Kumar Das, Deputy General Manager NEDFi, Guwahati; Dharmendra Das, Deputy Director, Spices Board of India, Guwahati; Dr T Esther Longkumer, senior scientist & head I/C KVK Porba and Vilhou Wetsah, CEO POLCPC Ltd.

The function was chaired by Nezelu Nyekha, executive director CWWS.
Cardamom fibre, a new material for craft sector

According to NEDFi, natural fibres offer opportunities to create sustainable livelihoods in rural areas of north eastern region of India, especially in the craft sector.

NEDFi Craft Incubation Centre (NCIC) at Khetri, Assam has been working on a variety of natural fibres.

As water hyacinth is not available in the hill states of the region, NEDFi Craft Incubation Centre was working on identification of a new raw material, appropriate for these states. Identification of a new raw material in natural fibre sector generates inquisitiveness among craft lovers and therefore has good market potential too, it said.

This led the team to work on large cardamom which is grown in the hill states, and development of prototypes for bags, basketry and mats.

Large Cardamom is a spice cultivated in sub-Himalayan regions. It is a perennial cash crop, grown in the states of Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland.

As part of inter culture operation, the matured stems are removed annually to pave way for the new shoots. Similarly, the diseased plants are also removed from the plantation areas.

Since the plants may grow up to a height of 2.8 metres, depending on its variety, such discarded stems can be processed for its use in craft activities.

The stiffness of cardamom fibre is more, when compared to softer materials like water hyacinth. However, it has its own advantage for its toughness and rigidity.

For weaving of mats, the stems are dried and thereafter sticks of desired size are prepared which are then woven on looms with cotton yarn. The cotton yarn is used on the warp of the loom while cardamom fibre is woven on the weft.

In terms of thickness and appearance they are comparable with bamboo table mats; however the natural shades of pink make them more attractive.

The technology was initially introduced in a training programme organised at NEDFi Craft Incubation Centre, Khetri where participants from Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland and Sikkim learned the craft.

Cardamom plantation has become popular in Changlang district of Arunachal Pradesh. NEDFi, as part of its CSR activity, introduced the craft in Manmao village of the district by conducting a ten day training programme for a group of 25 women beneficiaries in the month of January 2020.

The beneficiaries are regularly supplying their products to NE-SHILP, a society promoted by NEDFi, which is marketing the same trough its showrooms located at Craft Gallery at Dispur, NEDFi Haat in Guwahati, Craft Showroom at Khetri and North East Mart at India Exposition at Ltd, Greater Noida.

Spices Board of India has requested NEDFi to include more villages in the state of Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland as it will help to generate additional income to the cardamom growers of the states.

Source: https://morungexpress.com/role-of-state-govt-crucial-in-implementation-of-entrepreneurial-schemes