Port Blair, Jan 20: A meeting of SHGs and JLGs promoted by Unnati was held in Unnati Office, Haddo on 18.01.2013 to deliberate and consider various issues raised by the groups engaged in food processing activities like packing, labeling, arrangement of preservatives and marketing of products etc. The meeting was attended by Unnati office-bearers and staff, officials of NABARD and co-operative Bank i.e Assistant General Manager, Shri. S.V. Raghu, Manager, Shri. Raghavan, Incharge Women Development Cell, Smti. Elizabeth, and representatives of 20 SHGs and JLGs.
At the outset president Unnati stated the present status of food processing activities being implemented by Unnati and the problems being faced by the industry. He mentioned that the role played by NABARD officials is highly commendable for promoting food processing. Shri. S.V. Raghu and Raghavan, officials from NABARD informed that NABARD already decided to provide facilities for packing and labeling and NABARD already initiated action in this regard.
20 SHGs and JLGs, promoted by Unnati agreed to participate in the Exhibition being arranged by Co-operative bank from 2.2.2013 and representatives of co-operative Bank were requested to provide suitable space for display of food processing products. Smti. Elizabeth Incharge women development cell agreed to provide stall to all 20 groups who agreed to display them food processing products and details of which will be finalized by her in consultation with participating groups engaged in food production.
As regard marketing facilities of food processing products, the President Unnati informed that Shri. Bhagat Singh Chairman Co-operative bank has kindly agreed to provide marketing outlet in the centrally locally Bank building at port Blair and for marketing self-help products in Goalghar area and the matter for restarting sale-counter of social welfare department for marketing products of SHGs and JLGs groups already taken up with the Directorate of Social welfare and it is under consideration of the department.
The representatives of SHGs and JLGs suggested that the success of food processing activities much depend on the support of various departments and organizations for regular supply of raw materials, marketing, financial, preservatives and technical guidance etc. therefore integration and co-ordination to be ensured.
