Manipur government provides machines, tools to tribal producers in Senapati

Imphal: The Manipur Government distributed machines and tools to six Van Dhan Vikas Kendras (VDVKs) under the Pradhan Mantri Janjatiya Vikas Mission (PM JVM) and two Mini-Trifoods VDVKs under the Pradhan Mantri Formalisation of Micro Food Processing Enterprises (PMFME) Scheme on Saturday at the Autonomous District Council Hall, Senapati district.

Addressing the gathering in his Chief Guest speech, Additional Chief Secretary, Government of Manipur, Anurag Bajpai, said that the distribution of machines and tools will enhance year-round production activities for VDVKs and urged them to continue with the ongoing activities.

These schemes aim to improve the socio-economic conditions of these communities by addressing their unique needs and challenges.

Around 200 members from different villages of the Maram, Mao, and Poumai tribes attended the program.

These tribes predominantly inhabit the northern Senapati district, bordering Nagaland to the north.

Through this scheme, the Government of India aims to improve the livelihoods of tribal communities by utilising Minor Forest Produce (MFP) for socio-economic upliftment.

The scheme is implemented by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs and TRIFED. Notably, the Maram tribe of Manipur is identified as a PVTG (Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group) amongst Manipur's Scheduled Tribes, as they are at a lower level of development than other tribal groups.

The Government of India has several schemes focused on the development of Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs).

The VDVK scheme began its journey in 2018 under the Ministries of Tribal Affairs, GoI, and Manipur.

Anurag Bajpai said that the procurement of equipment will enable collection and processing for other markets outside the state.

He also mentioned the contribution made by the government for their interest, motivation, and guidance for the welfare of the people.

It may be mentioned that the six VDVKs include Rajaimei VDVK, N’Tazang VDVK, Harmony VDVK, Cosmos VDVK, Peony VDVK, and Magnolia VDVK.

The items were distributed under PM JVM, and the two Mini-Trifoods—Shovorii-Labapui VDVK and Swess-Kans VDVK—under PMFME received machines/tools such as Heavy Mixer Grinder, Pulveriser, Vacuum Packing Machine, Dehydrator, Automatic Biomass Charcoal Briquette Machine, Industrial Boiler, Automatic Filling Machine, Vertical Pouch Packing Machine, Labelling Machine, etc.

These items were all purchased from the Government e-Market (GeM).