Awareness programme on modernization of meat shops

One day awareness programme on modernization of meat shops under the aegis of National Mission on Food Processing (NMFP) 2013-17 was organized by Department of Industries & Commerce in coordination with Health & Family Welfare, Urban development , veterinary & animal husbandry (V&AH) and Kohima Municipal council (KMC) at Zonal council hall here Tuesday.

OSD Industries & Commerce, B. Longkumer, who chaired the programme, in his opening remark, said the modernization of meat shops was very much required and relevant in Nagaland as Nagas were heavy meat eaters, adding that hygienic handling of meat and delivering to the consumers was very important. 

He said this government scheme would be first implemented in Kohima, Dimapur and Mokokchung and later to other parts of the state.

Longkumer said government would provide grant-in-aid to the slaughterhouse owner and real beneficiaries would be for the consumers as it concerned hygiene.

He urged the general public to check the proper implementation of the centre scheme in the state.

Industries & commerce deputy director Khrielie Peseyie said majority of the population in India consumed meat from the traditional meat shops where individual butchers slaughter sheep/goats for sale of meat in small quantities throughout the day. 

Highlighting objectives of the scheme, he said it was aimed at improving the overall hygiene in the meat shops by providing basic infrastructure and equipment and also ensure food safety rules and regulation compliances as per FSS Act 2006 and caters to public health concerns as a whole. 

He said modernization of meat shops would also help protect and sustain the livelihoods of people involved and it would improve the competitiveness in the supply of wholesale meat vis-à-vis the development of new retail chains.

Peseyie also highlighted the eligibility, receipts of applications, civil structure items, and ineligible civil works in machinery/equipment/mechanical items and pattern of release of grant. 

He said under this scheme, North East states including Nagaland, the quantum of assistance from the government would be 75% of the cost of machinery/equipment and technical civil works (TCW) and other eligible items.

FPI cell D.o.I & C Kuko Nuh highlighted prototypes of modernized meat shops, FPI cell D.o.I & C Mhasiphizo Khezhie spoke on machinery and equipments for modernized meat shops with power-point presentation, V&AH deputy director Dr. Hevito Shohe spoke on quality of livestock and meat establishment and maintenance of meat shops.

FSO Kohima Kezhangulie spoke on Food Safety and Standard Act (FSSA) 2006 its definition, standards, food regulatory authorities, licensing and registration and penalties.

Earlier, KMC administrator Lithrongla Tongpi delivered welcome address, interactive session was held with the participants and vote of thanks was proposed by Akhrie –a Mor member KCCI. 

Programme was attended by around 50 persons which included colony wards chairmen, GBs, NAYO, colony youth leaders, butchers union, KCCI, KMC, entrepreneurs and others.