Mumbai, Oct. 10 -- The new GST reforms are aimed at driving inclusive growth and improving the ease of doing business for all, including small traders and businessmen. Manipur's economy, rooted in small-scale industries, traditional crafts, and agro-based livelihoods, stands to gain significantly from these changes. From coffee cultivation in the highlands of Ukhrul and Senapati to bamboo crafts and stone carving in Churachandpur and Imphal, the state's diverse economic activities are driven largely by regional communities. By lowering input costs and encouraging demand, the reforms aim to make Manipur's unique products more competitive in both domestic and global markets.

The reduction in GST on packaged coffee from 18% to 5% brings sub...