As far as Meghalaya is concerened, there are various sectors that provide investment opportunities. The first and foremost sector which can generate a lot of ancillary activities for the MSME sector is agro-horticulture sector.
We produce a variety of agro-products in our state. The famous Lakadong variety of turmeric, which is known to have the highest percentage of curcumin, is one of our specialities. We also produce both fibrous as well as non fibrous varities of ginger.
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- Dr Mukul Sangma |
However, due to lack of industries, the raw materials produced here are bought and transported elsewhere for conversion into finished products. This adds on to the cost of the raw material, resulting in inflated prices.
The process could, however, be cut short and customers could benefit, if the investors decide to invest in the region where the production takes place. There’s lot of scope for value addition units. In fact, depending on the absorption capacity of value-addition units coming up, the production could also increase.
We produce several types and species of fruits. Garo Hills is the number one producer of cashew nut. It, in fact, is the only so called district to have substantial production of cashew nuts. The cashew produced here has a natural sweet taste, we needn’t sweeten it. Apart from cahew nut, we have a variety of citrus fruits, bamboos, etc.
Meghalaya also has significant potential in pisciculture. Today, the fish that is consumed in the state is imported from West Bengal or Andhra Pradesh, which essentially means that the avenue hasn’t been tapped yet.
Therefore, we are focusing on promoting fish development. We will conduct certain fish production programs wherein the small and marginal farmers will be the targeted groups. Under such programs, we’ll encourage farmers to breed fish in those areas considered appropriate for construction of fish farms.
We have also planned some capacity training programs for farmers that will educate them about new technologies. This will help increase the production manifold. And if the production exceeds demands, the surplus could be used for value addition.
What keeps Meghalaya from becoming the agro capital of the region?
Honestly speaking, agriculture is often considered as something which is left to the less privileged people. It isn’t as attractive as IT or petroleum. For promoting the sector, it is important to attract the younger generation and the educated lot.
If you look at Netherlands, the country has sensibly utilised its immediate available area of cultivable land, its human force and available technology. And today, they stand second to the US, the number one exporter of agricultural products in the world.
The younger generation doesn’t find the agricultural sector lucrative enough. But I’ll give you an example here. On an average, we produce about 20-25 kg capsicum per sq meter. And on a average field size of 600 sq meter, the normal production would be around 12,000 to 15,000 kg. At the standard market price of Rs 40-50, the total production would fetch anywhere between Rs. 4,80,000- 7,50,000.
So, don’t you think that’s lucrative enough!
Which are the three top sectors for investment in Meghalaya, apart from agro-horticulture sector?
Health, education, and hospitality are looking really bright. If we blend these three sectors together as far as Meghalaya is concerned I am sure others things will just fall in line.
Say for instance, there are no decent restuarants or roadside cafés in the entire stretch between Guwahati and Shillong. This could be seen as an oppotunity.
Oppotunities are in abundance, what is needed is a pool of local talent. So, that investors interested in opening up a food industry or restuarant, can easily find trained people.
Are investors outside NER welcome to exploit the business oppotunities?
Certainly, they are. We have a vibrant industrial policy which welcomes outsiders. In foreign projects (set up by investors from outside NER), however, we encourage the participation of locals. by having one local director or local partner wherever possible.
How are you promoting entrepreneurship within the state?
We are conducting several entrepreneurship development programs-cum-seminars. We are involving the youths in these programs as that will help them identify the areas of opportunity and gain knowledge in the same.
And since there is immense scope in the horticulture sector, we are imparting training on how to use technology for horticultue so as to reap maximum benefits from the minimum available resources.
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