SHILLONG: Meghalaya government is contemplating over a proposal to woo tourists with organic food.
Addressing a press conference after the inauguration of the 3rd International Tourism Mart in the city on Tuesday, Chief Minister Mukul Sangma said that organic food will be served to all tourists in hotels from next year and a programme in this regard is being worked out.
He said that under the Mission Green, department of Agriculture has been asked to convert nearly 20000 hectares of farming land into land for organic agriculture.
Stating that the state government has initiated several measures to project Meghalaya as an ideal tourist destination, Sangma said that the State is focusing on promoting Meghalaya by creating “diverse products which are exclusive and unique,”
The Chief Minister also asserted that state has taken up several schemes under Mission Green to project Meghalaya as a green and clean state in the country.
Earlier, at the inaugural function of the three-day mart, Minister of State for Tourism and Culture (Independent Charge) Shripad Naik said that Tourism sector would be a ‘game-changer’ for the Indian economy and urged the Northeastern states to take advantage of the programme and policies of the Central government.
“The central government has recognised ‘tourism as a priority sector,’ which will prove to be a game changer for development and promotion of tourism in the country and eventually for the overall economy,” he said.
He urged all Northeastern states to utilise the funds sanctioned by the Centre for promoting tourism in the region, which he said is an unexplored paradise.
An amount of Rs 3,000 crore was sanctioned by the Centre for developing and improving all national highways and roads which are important infrastructures for creating an impact on the development of tourism and trade, Naik said.