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Bengali sweets industry keen to set up complex

Our Bureau

KOLKATA, Aug. 15

EVEN as it eyes global markets, the Bengali sweets industry is keen on setting up a complex that will enhance skills in this cottage-based traditional industry.

Mr R.K. Pal, General Secretary of the Paschimbanga Mistanna Byabsayee Samity -- the State association of sweets manufacturers -- said that the complex would have facilities such as a laboratory, a training centre, and an exposition on the evolution of B engali sweets.

The association has sought a meeting with the State Cottage and Small Industries Minister to present its case and ask for a plot of land for this purpose. ``We are not asking for any sops - all we want is a small plot of about 4,000 sq.ft.'', Mr Pal said .

Over the past five years, the State Government has facilitated the setting up of various integrated complexes for industries such as leather, hosiery, food processing, gems and jewellery and toys. The sweets association feels that it has a very good cas e given the considerable direct and indirect employment potential of the industry. ``The industry touches a gamut of sectors like flour, sugar and condiments and packaging'' Mr Pal said.

Pointing out that a training centre was necessary both for the purpose of standardisation of the production process as also for improving a workman's skills, he said the industry was now facing a shortage of trained manpower.

According to the association's estimates, there are 60,000 traditional sweets shops in West Bengal. However, most of the big shops face the manpower problem, especially regarding skilled workmen. ``The skills are passed on through generations and since f ewer people are entering the field these days, it will become a dying art if training facilities are not set up soon'', Mr Pal emphasised.

A training centre will also facilitate the process of standardisation now being attempted by some manufacturers, who are also trying for ISO certification.

Scientists at the Food Technology and Biochemistry Engineering Institute as well as the Association of Food Scientists and Technologies lay stress on the need for Government support. They feel that there is scope for policy intervention as also financia l assiatance to take care of the needs of this industry, which is trying to tap the ethnic market abroad.