New Delhi, Oct 10 – India’s latest GST cuts are set to give a major boost to Manipur’s economy, a move that experts say will help the state’s small‑scale industries, traditional crafts and farm businesses grow faster and reach new markets.
The government has slashed the GST on a range of Manipur products to just 5 %. The change is meant to lower prices, raise demand and make the state’s goods more competitive both at home and abroad.
### Coffee in the hills
Manipur’s high‑altitude counties—Ukhrul, Senapati and Chandel—grow some of the country’s finest Arabica coffee. About 10,000 farmers plant the crop each year, and the industry also supports people who sort, roast and package the beans. Cutting GST on packaged coffee from 18 % to 5 % is expected to increase profits and help local roasters compete in the wider market.
### Bamboo and cane crafts
In towns such as Churachandpur, Ukhrul and Tamenglong, around 120,000 artisans craft bamboo baskets, mats, furniture and other wooden items. The tax reduction on these goods from 12 % to 5 % will bring down retail prices, drive higher sales and give small‑business groups and cooperatives a stronger footing.
### Handloom textiles for women
Women in Imphal, Thoubal, Bishnupur and Senapati weave traditional cloths like Phanek, Innaphi and Rani. Roughly 250,000 weavers depend on this work for their families. The GST drop on handloom fabrics is designed to make the textiles cheaper for buyers and help weavers earn better wages.
### Stone carving and ceramics
Stone sculptors in Imphal, Churachandpur and Ukhrul are a major part of the state’s heritage. About 50,000 artisans create sculptures and ceremonial objects. A lower GST on ceramic tableware cuts the cost of raw materials and finished products, improving the export appeal of Manipur’s stonework.
### Processed foods and dairy
The processed‑food sector—pickles, bamboo shoots, fermented foods and vegetable mixes—employs about 150,000 workers in SMEs and community groups. The new basic rate of 5 % on these items offers a big lift for both producers and consumers. In dairy, farms in Imphal, Thoubal and Bishnupur, run largely by smallholders and cooperatives, now face zero GST on ghee, butter, paneer and cheese. The savings should make these staples more affordable, boosting demand and support to rural farmers.
### A broader impact
By cutting tax costs, these reforms aim to raise profit margins, help local businesses export more, and promote inclusive growth across the northeast. The state’s diverse industries—coffee, bamboo crafts, handloom textiles, stone carving, processed food and dairy—are now better positioned to meet national and global consumers.
The government’s statement highlighted that the changes will enable Manipur to play a larger role in India’s economy while supporting the livelihoods of thousands of families in the region.
Source: ianslive
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