From CK Nayak
NEW DELHI, Nov 16: Meghalaya is showcasing its products and cultural richness at the 44th India International Trade Fair (IITF) which got under way at the Pragati Maidan, Bharat Mandapam, in New Delhi on November 14. Assembly Speaker Thomas A. Sangma, who inaugurated the Meghalaya Pavilion, interacted with entrepreneurs, enquiring about their products.
The Meghalayan Age Ltd under the Planning Department facilitated the participation of Planning, DoFP, PRIME and Tourism departments.
Twenty-four entrepreneurs from PRIME startup and 18 from Directorate of Food Processing are taking part in the 14-day event, showcasing a range of products – handloom and handicraft items, woodcarvings, pottery, beverages, food processing products such as spices, juices, jams, candies, chips, pickles, teas and other indigenous products.
The states and the Union Territories besides over 60 ministries are taking part in the fair, being held on the theme ‘Ek Bharat-Shrestha Bharat.’ United Arab Emirates, China, Iran, South Korea and Egypt are among 12 participating countries.
The brief ceremony featured traditional dances and songs from Meghalaya. Sangma later held informal talks with the organisers, seeking details about the trade fair.
He hoped that participation at a national event like the IITF and the World Food India will provide transformative opportunities for the entrepreneurs from Meghalaya. Products like Lakadong Turmeric, Kiwi Pineapple, and Khasi Mandarin Oranges have already got a market in India as well as abroad.
The Meghalaya Pavilion came alive with the Tourism Department putting up an impressive video and photo exhibition on the tourist destinations, such as the waterfalls, lush green countryside, longest caves, clean rivers, living root bridges etc in Meghalaya along with tribal culture and festivals.
There were screening of short documentaries on success stories, GI products and spices, horticulture produce and food processing. The entrepreneurs received a good response with visitors making enquiries about how they can source the Meghalaya products.
