Governor Jishnu Dev Varma immersed in tunes of Sitar’s made by Miraj artisans
Kolhapur : The number of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the country has reached 9.61 crore, accounting for nearly 48.58% of total exports and providing employment to around 42 crore people, making the sector the second-largest employment generator after agriculture, Maharashtra governor Jishnu Dev Varma said in Kolhapur on Tuesday. He said Maharashtra’s merchandise exports stood at around $69.9 billion in 2025-26, with Kolhapur contributing $722 million.
He said the two-day meet would provide an ideal platform for international buyers and exporters to interact.
For this, airport connectivity must also be expanded,” said Varma. Varma also praised Kolhapur Zilla Parishad’s Pink Room initiative and the PGI ranking of ZP schools. He also commended the disaster management department for setting up a rescue team comprising entirely transgender persons. “Kolhapur district is endowed with remarkable natural beauty and rich natural resources. The district boasts a glorious tradition of religious pilgrimage sites, sports, trade, and industry. Branding Kolhapur is essential to promote it on the global map, and events like the Kolhapur Festival will play a vital role toward this end.