The Horticulture and Soil Conservation Department, Thoubal, in collaboration with the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), organised a capacity-building programme on “Awareness and Strengthening for Agri-Horti Export Products” at the conference hall of Kakching Municipal Council today.
Addressing the programme as chief guest, Kakching Deputy Commissioner Angeline Renita R, IAS, described Kakching district as a major agricultural hub of Manipur, with considerable potential to expand its reach in domestic and international markets.
She highlighted the growing demand for medicinally valued black rice, locally known as Chak-Hao, beyond Manipur. However, she pointed out that inadequate standardisation, inconsistent quality control and poor packaging remained major obstacles to its wider market access.
The Deputy Commissioner also identified bamboo shoots and mushrooms as agricultural and horticultural products with significant commercial potential in Kakching district.
She further noted that despite Manipur’s production of honey and pineapple, their export potential remained underutilised. She stressed the need to improve product quality, processing and packaging to meet market requirements.
The programme aimed to familiarise farmers with export opportunities and the standards required to market agricultural and horticultural products beyond the state. Participants were encouraged to adopt improved practices to enhance product quality, access wider markets and increase farmers’ incomes.