Manipur's Industries: Fostering Business & Investment Excellence

India’s ‘Gateway to the East’ through Moreh town is the only feasible land route for trade between India and Myanmar and other Southeast Asian countries.

More than 77% of Manipur’s geographical area falls under forest cover. Major forest products of the state include timber, firewood and bamboo.

Manipur is primarily an agriculture-based economy and has scope for commercial plantation of a variety of horticulture crops such as figs, olive, and mandarin. Handloom, handicraft and sericulture-based industries in Manipur are the most-developed industries and contribute significantly to state income.

Manipur shares its border with Nagaland, Cachar district of Assam, and Mizoram in India and the international border with Myanmar-Chin Hills and Chindwin. Imphal, the state’s capital, is well-connected with an international airport having air cargo services and four national highways, thereby opening attractive business opportunities in Manipur for the business community. The railway line on the Manipur-Assam border is being constructed on a priority basis.

Agriculture and Allied Activities

The state has a rich gene pool of primitive cultivars and landraces, with agriculture being the main source of livelihood

Rice is the staple food of the state and is grown in both hilly and plain areas. According to the 2011 population census, 52.8% of the total workers in Manipur are cultivators and agricultural labourers.

Horticulture

Manipur is one of the most suited destinations for the development of horticulture

The state government plan schemes like the establishment of orchards in hill areas of Manipur and the development of floriculture has been introduced to boost horticulture in the state.
The major fruits grown in the state are pineapple, orange, lemon, banana, guava, peaches and apples.

Sericulture

Manipur has four varieties of silk viz., mulberry, eri, muga and oak tasar

The Manipur Sericulture Project was initiated by the State Government to provide employment, particularly to women folk in the sector with the aid of Government of Japan. Central schemes like Post Cocoon Schemes and Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana have been implemented to promote silk farmers.

Bamboo-Producing Industries

Manipur is one of India's largest bamboo producing states and a major contributor to the country's bamboo industry

Manipur accounts for about 25% of the total growing stock of bamboo of the North Eastern Region of India and 14% of the country. A Bamboo Technology Park has been set up in the state to promote bamboo based industries.