In an attempt to promote Tripura as a ‘go-to’ business destination as well as highlight the delectable and easily accessible horti-products, the state successfully conducted an event titled, “Showcasing Tripura at Varanasi” on Friday.
The occasion was used to display its famous GI tagged, organic Tripura Queen Pineapple and a variety of other Agri Horti products alongside its rich Handloom &Handicraft industry, Tourism, Rubber and Bamboo produce.
The “Showcasing Tripura at Varanasi” also saw a ‘Buyer Seller Meet’ with over 50 buyers participating. They represented a cross-section of fields ranging from the agri-horti sector, tourism, and perfume to handloom and handicraft.
The interest and intent to do business with Tripura by these buyers was the most important take-away of the event and is sure to see linkages being established in the coming months.
Tripura is a unique semi-hilly state in the North East Region of India, surrounded on three sides by international borders, and home to a diverse mix of tribal cultures, natural resources, and religious groups.
The event was supported by seven departments of Tripura, viz. Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Horticulture and Soil Conservation, Tribal Welfare Department, Forest Department, Industry Department, Handloom and Handicraft, and Tourism Department.
It was executed by North Eastern Regional Agricultural Marketing Corporation (NERAMAC), a Central Public Sector Enterprise (CPSE) under the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region.
Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Guest of the event Ratan Lal Nath, the Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare and Power, Government of Tripura reiterated the State Government’s commitment to promote local produce, artisans, and the land as such.
He talked about the need to GI certify the unique produce and products to preserve and promote tradition. Talking about the focus of the Government, he said that it was essential for the rest of India and the world to recognise the potential of the State both in terms of produce/ product availability and its geography.
The State is promoting innovation, food processing and allied industries and making it tourist friendly and accessible.
The event was also graced by Ravindra Jaiswal, the Minister of State (Independent Charge) – Stamp and Court Fees and Registration Department, Government of Uttar Pradesh, Ashok Tiwari, the Mayor of Varanasi, and Saurabh Srivastava, the MLA Varanasi Cantt as the guest of honour, Apurva Roy, the Secretary Agriculture, Government of Tripura, UK Chakma, the Secretary Tourism and PL Agarwal, the Additional PCCF, and a host of other senior officials from Tripura and Uttar Pradesh governments also graced the event.
In his welcome address, Commodore Rajiv Ashok (Retd), Managing Director NERAMAC, expressed and shared the idea behind the event. He said that the reason for choosing this location outside the North East Region was the rich heritage that the city portrays, its recognition as a promoter of a vibrant handloom and handicraft industry, and naturally being an important cultural centre and an emerging commercial hub in the region.