'Tribal & local products constitute value-added strategic fulcrum'

ATMA NIRBHAR BHARAT: GROWTH & DEVELOPMENT OF SME IN NE

GUWAHATI: Tribal and local products are providing value-added strategic leverage to the Growth and Development of Atma Nirbhar Bharat Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), opined experts in a webinar organised by Press Information Bureau (PIB), Guwahati on the topic here recently. Experts from industry fraternity along with academicians deliberated and discussed about the potential ways for development of local products from industry, entrepreneurial and policy perspective.

ChandanPachani, official of Indian Institute of Entrepreneurship, Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship, Guwahati said that the market for SMEs are having a huge potential adding that the sector is still evolving. He further said that the demand of the local and tribal products depends on the local environmental factors among others. He also said that there is a demand which has to be met with products which are trendy and efficacious. He further stated that local artisans have to be provided a salubrious environment to develop and grow. Promotion of local pottery, textile, agro-based small enterprises, tourism business, tea cultivation and allied sector has not only employment opportunities, but also are centres to tap local talents.

Dr Nita Sengupta, officer from the Indian Museum said that all the Ministries and Departments have to work in tandem so that the result leads to a 'WIN-WIN' scenario for the local SMEs. She also said that local products add to the ethos and feeling of home-grown driven essence. She opined that this adds to their marketability and adds to the preference for the market demand especially among the younger generation.

Entrepreneur Soumita Mukherjee said that local toys, terracotta products, wooden and brass, metal objects and other such items should be encouraged so that local talents are enthused. She also said that the ways of business and e-commerce are also evolving and the dynamically market driven strategy has to be planned accordingly. Market Management and information communication have huge impact on the accessibility and marketability of a local product, she said, adding that the core competence of local products has to be environment and technology driven.

The North East part of India, particularly Assam with its Muga silk, tea cultivation, eco-friendly textiles and also the pottery sector have immense potential for marketability. She also said that the environment and bio-diversity of North East is added advantages to eco-tourism. She added that there is a huge market for tribal and local products during festivals such as Losar, Bihu, Majuli festival and Wangala, among others.

Entrepreneur Susantha Ray said that the Pottery sector and local toy-making industry have experienced a huge metamorphosis in the recent times. He added that local festivals also generate the same feeling as local products; and it is good opportunity for the entrepreneurs to delve into that sector. He added that entrepreneurs are finding opportunities in this market to be leaders in these identified sectors and are constantly endeavouring to be job-creators, rather than job-seekers. This is helping to build the entrepreneurial culture in the Indian economy and an add-on advantage for those who are eager to try and are not risk averse, said Ray.

It is pertinent to mention in this context that MBA graduates are also venturing into this sector of local products and market and thereby strengthening the local entrepreneurial market, he pointed out. Enunciating the provisos in the Constitution of India, AbdurRehmanMallick, Advocate Delhi High Court delved into the details of the topic and said that the local industries have huge potential as they cater to the local demand and are environment friendly.

The informative and knowledge webinar was planned and coordinated by SamratBandyopadhyay, Joint Director (M&C), PIB, Guwahati. Senior officers of PIB were present in webinar. PallavChakravorty, Deputy Director, PIB welcomed the experts.

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