Inauguration of CREATE at Leh

Union Minister for MSME, Shri Jitan Ram Manjhi, inaugurated the Centre for Rural Enterprise Acceleration through Technology (CREATE) at Leh via virtual mode. The event was attended by various dignitaries including the Minister of State for MSME, the Lieutenant Governor of UT-Ladakh, the Chairman of KVIC, and other officials from the Ministry of MSME, UT-Ladakh, KVIC, and MGIRI, along with around 200 local artisans.

Centre’s Objectives

• Pashmina Wool Roving Facility: Machinery for processing Pashmina wool is installed and operational.
• Training Programs: Development of facilities for essential oil extraction from flowers and bio-processing of fruits and raw materials.

The Centre aims to boost local productivity, enhance product quality, and improve economic potential and livelihoods for local communities.

Minister’s Emphasis

The Minister of MSME highlighted the importance of advancing rural industrialization and supporting traditional artisans in regions like Ladakh, where challenging conditions require greater economic engagement.

Rural Enterprise Acceleration Project (REAP)

Despite significant progress in poverty reduction, India still faces high poverty levels, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. REAP aims to:

• Double Rural Incomes: By diversifying income sources through climate-resilient, cluster-based production systems.
• Reduce Distress Migration: Promote enterprises and develop supportive ecosystems to address rural economic challenges.