Gaining experience after attending various training on food processing and food shows, the duo has finally come out with their own products, Soyam Foods launches a new product called ‘Sachao’, a traditional snack made from sesame, black rice, salt and chili.
By Tennoson Pheiray, TFM Ukhrul Correspondent
This mother-daughter duo from Ukhrul will be an inspiration and a role model for young entrepreneurs to emulate. Their perseverance and struggle for over a decade have finally paid off.
Soyam Foods, being run and managed by mother Angela Shimray and daughter Soyamphi of Lungshang Village, Ukhrul District, Manipur got Soyam Products Workshed inaugurated at Phungreitang, Ukhrul on Saturday. It also launched a new product called “Sachao”, a traditional snack made from sesame, black rice, salt and chili.
The workshed, which was formally unveiled by DIC Ukhrul general manager Themreiyo T Awungshi, was constructed with funding from the State Bank of India under the Pradhan Mantri Formalisation of Micro Food Processing Enterprises (PMFME) Scheme.
“With the aim to enhance the competitiveness of existing individual micro-enterprises in the unorganised segment of the food processing industry and promote formalisation of the sector, the Ministry of Food Processing Industry (MoFPI) has launched the PMFME Scheme under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan” stated Themreiyo T Awungshi.
Proprietor of Soyam Foods Angela said, “Soyam Foods was established in 2011 under the guidance and training imparted by Ukhrul District Community Resource Management Society (UDCRMS). In the initial stage, we were financially sponsored by Ukhrul District Women Institute of Micro Credit (UDWIM) through a special package. Thus, through the help of UDCRMS and UDWIM, we started our small enterprise.”
She further said, “After attending various training and exhibitions and after many years of struggle, we were finally shortlisted for the PMFME Scheme under DIC Ukhrul, financed by the State Bank of India. Through this scheme, we are able to construct workshed and procure machines and we are very grateful to everyone who has extended their service in making this dream possible. We hope and believe that Soyam Foods will be able to serve quality products to the people in the coming days.”
Gaining experience after attending various training on food processing and food shows, the duo has finally come out with their own products.
UDWIM Director Ringyuichon Vashum lauded her initiative and perseverance of Angela in achieving her target. She said, “Angela has been very cooperative, active and sincere in her work. Her sacrifice and endurance are worth emulating by one and all.”
President of Tangkhul Shanao Long Thingreiphy Lungharwoshi said “Achon Angela is a role model for entrepreneurs to the Tangkhul women.” She appealed to the gatherings to extend support to local entrepreneurs by buying their products.
UDCRMS district project manager Lilyrose Jajo said, “UDCRMS has been working relentlessly for the past many years in enhancing the living conditions of the people in Ukhrul and today is a proud moment for UDCRMS. We wish Soyam Foods success and we will extend all possible help even in the days to come.”
Soyam Foods’ products include fruit juice such as Theikanthei (Prunus napaulensis), Plum, Wild Apple, Kiwi, Mango, Lemon, Gooseberry and candy made from fruits found in the hill district of Ukhrul.