The Manipur Food Industries Corporation Limited’s (MFICL) cold storage facility at Nilakuthi Food Park, built at a cost of Rs 2.79 crore, has been found defunct.
During a visit by a team of MPCC led by its president K Meghachandra on Tuesday the facility, equipped with six chambers intended for storing fruits and vegetables, was discovered empty and non-functional during the inspection, with only racks remaining.
An official present during the inspection revealed that the cold storage facility had been operational for a brief period of two months under the Horticulture Department, shortly after its establishment nine years ago.
The machinery and equipment were installed between 2009 and 2012, yet the facility has since fallen into disuse.
Expressing dismay over the situation, Meghachandra emphasised that the facility was originally designed to encourage local farmers by providing a means to store perishable produce, thereby preventing wastage and supporting agricultural growth.
(PHOTO: IFP)
He criticised the government’s negligence towards public welfare projects, citing the defunct state of the MFICL facility as evidence.
“The upcoming Budget session of the Assembly will serve as a platform to bring attention to such idle projects,” Meghachandra stated.
He highlighted the potential benefits to farmers if the facility were operational, lamenting its current state as indicative of the government’s failure to uphold its commitments to public welfare.
In anticipation of the Assembly session commencing on Wednesday (July 31), Meghachandra also addressed the absence of 10 Kuki Zo MLAs from two consecutive sessions.
He urged their presence, highlighting their role in restoring peace in Manipur and appealing for intervention from Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah to ensure their attendance, with adequate security measures if necessary.
The MPCC team additionally visited the District Industries Centre in Imphal West, located within the Directorate of Trade, Commerce, and Industries, as part of their broader inspection of government projects ahead of the legislative session.
