National Buyer-Seller Meet boosts market prospects for Northeast's indigenous products

Shillong, July 25: The National Buyer-Seller Meet-cum-Exhibition concluded on Saturday with a strong call for expanding market access, strengthening industry partnerships and promoting the Northeast’s indigenous products as engines of sustainable economic growth.

The valedictory programme brought together policymakers, scientists, entrepreneurs, investors, farmers and artisans, who stressed the need for stronger market linkages and institutional collaboration to accelerate agricultural transformation and rural entrepreneurship in the region.

Addressing the gathering, Gyanendra Dev Tripathi, Additional Secretary, Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE) and Secretary, ICAR, highlighted climate change, transboundary animal diseases, water scarcity and poor connectivity as major challenges facing the agriculture sector. He, however, praised the Central Agricultural University (CAU), Imphal, for driving innovation, value addition and entrepreneurship across the Northeast.

ICAR Director Dr Kadirvel Govindswamy underscored the importance of creating stronger markets for unique indigenous products, including black turmeric. He called for greater industry participation, better certification and legal support mechanisms, regular assessment of buyer-seller initiatives and a sharper focus on products with national and global market potential.

Representatives from the Border Security Force, the Meghalaya government’s Department of Food Processing and the investor community echoed similar views, describing the event as an important platform connecting producers with buyers while opening new business opportunities for the region.

Anupam Bansal, Executive Director of Liberty Shoes Ltd., said the Northeast offers immense opportunities in branding, logistics, tourism and long-term business partnerships, while praising the authenticity and quality of products showcased during the exhibition.

The event also witnessed the release of the Central Agricultural University, Imphal’s institutional profile video, the CAU Farm Magazine and a series of publications documenting the transformation of agricultural economies across several Northeastern states.

A major highlight of the closing ceremony was the prize distribution for outstanding exhibitors, with awards presented by Gambegre MLA Dr Mehtab Chandee A. Sangma.
Congratulating the winners, Sangma urged artisans to enhance the quality, branding and marketability of indigenous products to achieve national and international recognition.

She also appealed to consumers to support locally made handcrafted products that sustain livelihoods, preserve traditional knowledge and promote environmental conservation.

Among the winners, H.R. Enterprise of Tripura received the Best Live Demonstration (Weaving) Award, while Tyrshang Lurshai Pottery Cooperative Society of Meghalaya won the Best Live Demonstration (Craft) Award.

Saranga Pain Traditional Mask Art & Craft Centre of Majuli, Assam, received the Best GI-Tagged Product Award, and Dainthe Private Ltd. of Manipur won the Best Eco-friendly Product Award.

Traditional Fashion Jewellery from Arunachal Pradesh bagged the Best Innovation Award, Misak Weaves of Mizoram received the Best Seller Award, while ‘Honey of Meghalaya’ was presented a special NABARD-sponsored award for promoting premium indigenous honey and expanding market opportunities for local beekeepers.

The event concluded with a renewed commitment from government agencies, research institutions, industry leaders and entrepreneurs to strengthen market ecosystems and unlock the commercial potential of the Northeast’s rich agricultural and artisanal heritage.

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