Calling for a strategic overhaul of market linkages to unlock the Northeast’s agricultural potential, senior policymakers and scientists identified climate change, transboundary zoonotic diseases, water scarcity and inadequate connectivity as the principal challenges confronting India’s agri-economy, while urging stronger collaboration between government, research institutions, industry and entrepreneurs to scale indigenous products through innovation, value addition and sustainable market integration.
The call came as the National Buyer-Seller Meet-cum-Exhibition concluded with a renewed commitment to deepen market linkages, promote entrepreneurship and transform the Northeast into a nationally competitive hub for agri-business and indigenous products through stronger institutional convergence, commercialisation and sustainable livelihood generation.
The programme commenced with a welcome address by Dr. Jyoti V. Vastrad, Dean, College of Community Science, Central Agricultural University (Imphal), Tura. The event also witnessed the release of the Central Agricultural University (CAU), Imphal Institutional Profile Video, the CAU Imphal Farm Magazine published by the Directorate of Extension, and a series of publications on the transformation of the agricultural economies of Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Sikkim and Tripura, highlighting the University’s expanding research and extension initiatives across the Northeast.
Presenting the report of the National Buyer-Seller Meet-cum-Exhibition, Dr. Ranima Saikia, Associate Professor and Organising Secretary, highlighted the participation of buyers, Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs), Self-Help Groups (SHGs), entrepreneurs, artisans, startups and agri-based enterprises from across the country, underscoring the event’s growing role as a national platform for fostering business partnerships and market access.
Delivering the valedictory address, Gyanendra Dev Tripathi, Additional Secretary, Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE) and Secretary, Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), highlighted the challenges and opportunities before agri-entrepreneurs in contributing to India’s economic growth. He identified climate change, transboundary zoonotic diseases, water scarcity and connectivity as major concerns while appreciating the efforts of the Central Agricultural University, Imphal, in promoting agricultural innovation, entrepreneurship and value addition across the Northeast.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Kadirvel Govindswamy, Director, ICAR, stressed the need to create stronger markets for unique indigenous products such as black turmeric. He called for enhanced industry participation, robust certification and legal support systems, greater institutional convergence, regular impact assessment of buyer-seller meets and increased focus on commercially scalable products with national and global market potential.
Lalit Mohan Sharma, Deputy Inspector General, Border Security Force, Tura Frontier, and Ian Borney Saiborne, Director, Department of Food Processing, Government of Meghalaya, also addressed the gathering and described the initiative as an important platform that connects producers with markets while promoting entrepreneurship and value-added products from the region.
Representing the investor community, Anupam Bansal, Executive Director, Liberty Shoes Ltd., appreciated the quality, authenticity and uniqueness of products from the Northeast and highlighted immense opportunities in logistics, tourism, branding and long-term business partnerships.
Speaking on behalf of the exhibitors, a representative of M/s K. Warshong, Maligi, Shillong, Meghalaya, expressed gratitude to the organisers for providing an excellent platform to showcase products, interact with prospective buyers and establish valuable business linkages.
The programme was attended by B. D. R. Tiwari, IAS, Chief Electoral Officer and Commissioner & Secretary, Elections Department, Government of Meghalaya, Jagdish Chelani, IAS, Executive Director, Meghalaya State Skill Development Society (MSSDS), along with senior officials, scientists, entrepreneurs, farmers, artisans, buyers and delegates from across the country.
A special prize distribution ceremony was held to recognise outstanding exhibitors across different categories. The awards were presented by Dr. Mehtab Chandee A. Sangma, MLA from Gambegre Constituency and Patron of the programme.
Congratulating the award winners, Sangma applauded the artisans for their creativity, craftsmanship, and commitment to preserving the “rich indigenous traditions of the Northeast.” She encouraged them to continue developing “high-quality, sustainable, and eco-friendly products that reflect the region’s unique cultural heritage.” The MLA further urged artisans to strive for “national and international recognition by enhancing the quality, branding, and marketability of their products, enabling the unique indigenous products of the Northeast to reach wider markets.” Stressing the importance of responsible consumerism, she appealed to consumers to “support locally made, handcrafted products that promote sustainable livelihoods, preserve traditional knowledge, and contribute to environmental conservation.”
The Best Live Demonstration (Weaving) Award, sponsored by the Meghalaya State Skill Development Society (MSSDS), was presented to H. R. Enterprise, Tripura. The Best Live Demonstration (Craft) Award, sponsored by the Government of Meghalaya, went to Tyrshang Lurshai Pottery Cooperative Society, Meghalaya. The Best GI-Tagged Product Award, sponsored by the Directorate of Food Processing, Government of Meghalaya, was presented to Saranga Pain Traditional Mask Art & Craft Centre, Majuli, Assam.
The Best Eco-friendly Product Award, sponsored by the Meghalaya Basin Management Agency (MBMA), was presented to Dainthe Private Ltd., Senapati, Manipur. The Best Innovation Award, sponsored by PRIME Meghalaya, went to Traditional Fashion Jewellery, Arunachal Pradesh, while the Best Seller Award, sponsored by the Meghalaya Farmers’ Empowerment Commission, was presented to Misak Weaves, Lunglei, Mizoram. A Special Award, sponsored by NABARD, was conferred on “Honey of Meghalaya” by PRIME Meghalaya in recognition of its outstanding contribution towards promoting premium indigenous honey and enhancing market opportunities for beekeepers in Meghalaya.
The National Buyer-Seller Meet-cum-Exhibition concluded with stakeholders reaffirming their commitment to strengthening market ecosystems, expanding market access for indigenous products, promoting innovation and value addition, and fostering collaborative partnerships that can position the Northeast as a competitive contributor to India’s agricultural economy while generating sustainable livelihoods across the region.
