Ample scope for manufacturing and services sectors

The advantage, today in Karnataka's industrial scene is that it has a wider market and ample scope for both manufacturing and services. But the ground reality is different. Here, not many among the second-generation entrepreneurs are participating in it or entering the fray.

“There is an urgent need to revamp the entrepreneurship development and training for the educated youths,” says Mr J.R. Bangera, President, Federation of Karnataka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FKCCI).

“It is also time for chambers of commerce and professional bodies to actively participate in this activity and see that many entrepreneurs are trained and guided in establishing their enterprises,” he added.

To develop manufacturing or the services sectors, entrepreneurship is most crucial for they are the sectors which offers employment in large numbers.

Though the Government had taken initiative in training the entrepreneurs during early 1980s, which has given the desired results, but the effort is not continued after 1990s.

Manufacturing

Strengthening of the manufacturing base will strengthen the GSDP of the State and also result in sustained employment in addition to the economic development.

Today, the State's share in the country's exports stands at 13.3 per cent and it is expected to touch 15 per cent this year.

“I also foresee that these initiatives of ours will definitely strengthen the manufacturing sectors in the State and also there would be ample opportunities for this sector to enter into export market,” says Mr Bangera.

Tourist potential

There are concerted efforts among the trade bodies to network with export promotion organisations of both Central and State governments and other District Chambers and other Associations, for developing more enterprises to engage in export activity.

Karnataka is bestowed with nature, historical and religious centres which are of tourist attraction.

There is a need for developing the circuits and popularising these among the tourists. In addition, these centres are to be developed providing necessary infrastructure for the comforts of the tourists.

Along this route, the development of tourists' spots could be done involving the local bodies which would also help them in generating the revenue, in addition to providing employment in the region.

FKCCI plans to work closely with the department of tourism and its subsidiaries. The main focus will be to identify potential locations and profile is made as to its development to attract tourists in large numbers.

Agri-market yards

“This needs little more efforts and FKCCI is keen to participate by empowering or training gram panchyats or zilla panchyats,” said Mr Bangera.

The idea behind creating rural infrastructure is to develop agro-processing industries at local taluk and district level. This is not only to provide value addition to the agri produces at farmers' yard, but also to arrest the migration of rural population.

“We all know that government through the Department of Agriculture Marketing is establishing market yards in all potential places to facilitate the farmers to sell their produces,” explains Mr Bangera.

The current state of market yards is pathetic. Though the Government is spending huge sum of money, the required infrastructures are not created in majority of the taluk market yards, which results in wastage of produces.

This is an area where a thrust will be given to minimise the agriculture produce waste and a conducive marketing environment is created, he added.

COMMENT NOW