Manipur, though located in a far flung north-eastern corner of the country with a largely hilly terrain, has many advantages and opportunities for investment. There are several sectors which ample potential for attracting investors.
Agro and Food Processing
The agro-climatic condition in the State makes it suitable for growing almost all kinds of agricultural and horticultural crops and setting up of food processing industries. The State produces sizeable quantity of paddy; wheat; maize; pulses; oilseeds (like mustard, groundnut, soyabeans, sunflower, etc); fruits (like pineapple, lime/lemon, banana, orange,etc); and vegetables (like, cauliflower, cabbage, tomato, pea, etc).
As a result the food processing sector plays a significant role in diversification and commercialisation of agriculture, horticulture, fisheries, poultry, animal husbandry and forest. In view of the importance of the industry, State Government has established a 'Food Processing Training Centre' and 'Food Processing Training Hall at Imphal'. A food Park is also being set up at Imphal.
Handloom
Handloom industry is the largest cottage industry in the State, flourishing since time immemorial. It is providing maximum employment in the State, particularly to the women. The main handloom products of Manipur are sarees, bed sheets, curtains, fashion garments, scarves and pillow covers,etc. Most of the weavers who are famous for their skill and intricate designing are from Wangkhei, Bamon Kampu, Kongba, Khongman, Utlou etc., in respect of fine silk items. Fabrics and Shawls of Manipur are in great demand in the national and international market.
Major handloom production activities are undertaken by three Government organizations:-
- Manipur Development Society (MDS)
- Manipur Handloom and Handicrafts Development Corporation (MHHDC)
- Manipur State Handloom Weavers Co-operative Society (MSHWCS)
Handicraft
Handicraft industry in the State has a unique place among the various crafts of the country and consists of products made of cane and bamboo as well as the pottery culture. Pottery culture is very old in Manipur and flourishes in Andro, Sekmai, Chairen, Thongjao, Nungbi and parts of Senapati District. Since cane and bamboo are abundantly available, basketry has been a popular occupation of the people of Manipur. Besides, fishing equipments are also made of cane and bamboo. All such products are in great demand from both domestic as well as international buyers.
Tourism
Manipur, due to its wealth of flora and fauna is described as a ‘flower on lofty heights’, ‘a jewel of India’ and ‘Switzerland of the East’. Its breathtaking scenic beauty makes it a tourist’s paradise. Its enchanting landscape includes rare species of flora and fauna; virgin forests; cascading rivers; hilly green landscape; and meandering streams. Added to this are the various tourist attractions which offer excellent opportunity for developing different types of tourism in the State. Shree Govindajee temple, Khwairamband Bazar (Ima Keithel), War cemeteries, Shaheed Minar, Nupi Lan (Women's War) Memorial Complex, Khonghampat Orchidarium, INA Memorial (Moirang), Loktak Lake, Keibul Lamjao National Park, Bishnu Temple at Bishnupur, Sendra, Moreh, Siroy Village, Siroy Hills, Dzuko Valley, State Museum, Kaina Tourist Home, Khongjom War Memorial Complex, etc., constitute some of the important tourist centres in Manipur.
Information Technology
Recognising the vast potential of IT industry in the State, the Government of Manipur accords high priority to the electronics and Information Technology sector as a major thrust area of development. Also, the State has a vibrant manpower potential and qualitative work force, ideally suited for such industries.
The Manipur Industrial Development Corporation Ltd. has been established to fill up the gaps for development of electronics and information technology based industries in the State. The IT areas where opportunities for investment exist are:-
- Setting up of IT Parks, IT Enabled Service Centres and Information Kiosks;
- Development of a backbone network "Manipur State Wide Area Network" (MANNET) for voice, data and video transmission and dissemination;
- Issue of multi-function Electronic SMART cards to citizens;
- IT literacy programme in schools and colleges;
- To create infrastructure throughout the State for promotion of distance learning through IT; etc
Project Profiles
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