A delegation from the Chamber of Association of Maharashtra Industry & Trade (CAMIT) and the Maharashtra Masala Udyog Sanghatana, led by Dr. Dipen Agrawal, President of CAMIT, met with Hon’ble Minister of Health and Family Welfare & Minister of State (Independent Charge) for AYUSH, Shri Pratap Jadhav, to discuss the pressing issues faced by the masala (spice) manufacturing industry.
The delegation comprised prominent representatives from the masala sector, including Shri Dilipbhai Thakral, Shri Prakash Katariya, Shri Vijay Pote, Shri Prakash Waghmare, Shri Prashant Ahirkar, and Shri Warangaokar. They raised several key concerns impacting the spice industry, particularly those related to taxation and regulatory frameworks.
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Wednesday 09 Oct. 2024
Dr. Dipen Agrawal elaborated on the multiple challenges faced by MSMEs engaged in the production of masalas. Chief among these issues is the current GST structure, which has posed a significant financial burden on smaller manufacturers. He emphasized the need for GST relief measures and other fiscal incentives to support MSME units, which are the backbone of the masala industry. Dr. Agrawal also highlighted the lack of uniformity in quality standards, which has led to an uneven playing field, especially for smaller manufacturers who struggle to compete with larger players in the industry.
Further points of discussion included the implementation of clear and consistent quality control parameters, market access challenges, and the need for policies that foster fair competition and sustainable growth. Dr. Agrawal stressed that these issues, if left unaddressed, would continue to hinder the growth of an industry that plays a crucial role in daily life, employment generation, and rural economies.
In response, Hon’ble Minister Pratap Jadhav acknowledged the concerns presented by the delegation and expressed his commitment to finding solutions. The Minister invited the delegation to New Delhi for an official meeting with senior officials and relevant authorities to further deliberate on these matters and arrive at actionable resolutions. His openness to dialogue and collaboration was well-received by the delegation.
During the meeting, Shri Prakash Katariya extended a vote of thanks on behalf of the delegation, expressing deep gratitude to the Minister for his valuable time, understanding, and willingness to address the concerns of the masala manufacturers. He also appreciated the leadership of Dr. Dipen Agrawal for championing the cause of the industry and thanked all the delegates present for their active participation in the dialogue.
This meeting represents a significant step forward in advocating for the needs of the masala industry, and CAMIT, under the leadership of Dr. Dipen Agrawal, continues to work relentlessly to ensure the prosperity of all industry stakeholders.
