LUNGLA, 22 Jun: Artisans, farmer groups, SHG members, unemployed youths, local entrepreneurs, and villagers participated in a ‘Gramin udyog and entrepreneurship development workshop’ organised here in Tawang district on Monday by the Arunachal Pradesh Khadi & Village Industries Board (APKVIB) on Monday.
The workshop aimed to create awareness about opportunities in micro and small enterprises, self-employment, agri-allied sectors, value addition, and market linkages among rural youths, artisans, women SHGs, farmers, and aspiring entrepreneurs.
Addressing the gathering, MLA Tsering Lhamu emphasised the crucial role of entrepreneurship in generating employment and strengthening the rural economy. She encouraged young people to become job creators rather than job seekers, and to take advantage of the various schemes and support mechanisms offered by the Ministry of MSME, NERAMAC, Ministry of DoNER, APKVIB, and other government agencies.
She also stressed the importance of value addition, innovation, branding, and market linkage to enhance the income potential of local products.
APKVIB Chairman Maling Gombu highlighted the importance of connecting artisans, entrepreneurs, and farmer groups with government programmes that support the growth of village industries and rural enterprises. He informed the participants about the benefits of registering with the APKVIB to avail of technical guidance, handholding support, and various developmental initiatives.
Gombu underscored the need to promote traditional products and ensure the sustainable utilisation of local natural resources for economic growth.
Resource persons from the Ministry of MSME, NERAMAC, Ministry of DoNER, and APKVIB shared insights into the immense potential of village industries based on locally available resources in Tawang district. Areas such as handicrafts, handloom, Monpa handmade paper, food processing, beekeeping, agro-based industries, and eco-friendly rural enterprises were identified as promising avenues for entrepreneurship.
During the technical sessions, MSME Itanagar Director (i/c) Dr Satish Kumar delivered a presentation on various schemes and programmes aimed at supporting Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).
The participants were sensitised to entrepreneurship development, business planning, financial assistance, marketing opportunities, digital platforms, and skill development initiatives.
NERAMAC Itanagar Business Development Officer Md Abdul Rakib provided an overview of market linkage opportunities and the NERAMAC’s buyback arrangements in the agri and allied sectors. He highlighted the immense potential of Lumla region for commercial cultivation and processing of agri-based products.
APKVIB Development Officer Ralong Singhi stated that the APKVIB will continue to support rural entrepreneurs through training, capacity building, technology support, market facilitation, and handholding initiatives to create sustainable livelihood opportunities across the region.
The interactive session saw farmers and entrepreneurs raising queries regarding the market prospects of crops and products such as amla, lemongrass, seabuck thorn (medicinal plant) and other high-value agricultural produce. Participants sought greater handholding support, technical guidance, and marketing assistance from both state and central government agencies to transform these opportunities into viable enterprises.
More than 200 participants actively engaged with the experts and expressed keen interest in establishing village-based enterprises across various sectors. (DIPRO)
