Shillong : The two-day National Buyer–Seller Meet-cum-Exhibition on Indigenous and Heritage Products of Northeast India, organised by the College of Community Science, Central Agricultural University (Imphal), commenced today at the State Convention Centre, Shillong.

Held under the theme “From Heritage to Enterprise: Empowering Women Artisans in Northeast India,” the event has brought together more than 170 registered participants, including over 100 artisans, buyers, investors, policymakers, exporters, entrepreneurs, Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs), Self-Help Groups (SHGs), scientists, academicians and industry representatives from all eight Northeastern states.

The exhibition features more than 75 stalls displaying indigenous and heritage products, providing a vibrant platform for business networking, market linkages, investment and enterprise development.

Inaugurating the event, Dr. Mehtab Chandee A. Sangma, MLA from Gambegre Constituency, congratulated the Central Agricultural University for creating a unique platform that connects producers, artisans, entrepreneurs, buyers and investors. She said Northeast India possesses immense potential in handloom and handicrafts, ethnic foods, bamboo and cane products, medicinal plants, natural fibres and other indigenous resources.

Emphasising that quality production alone is not sufficient, she called for greater focus on branding, packaging, quality certification, digital marketing and improved market access to position the region’s products in national and international markets.

She also highlighted the success of the PRIME Meghalaya initiative in nurturing entrepreneurship and urged buyers and investors to partner in building sustainable and globally competitive enterprises.

Presiding over the inaugural session, Prof. Anupam Mishra, Vice Chancellor, Central Agricultural University (Imphal), described the Buyer–Seller Meet as a significant initiative to bridge the gap between producers and markets by facilitating direct interaction among farmers, artisans, startups, buyers, exporters, investors and financial institutions.

He highlighted the Northeast’s rich biodiversity, indigenous knowledge, organic production systems and traditional skills, while stressing the importance of value addition, branding, packaging, quality certification and entrepreneurship to unlock the region’s economic potential. He reaffirmed the University’s commitment to promoting innovation, entrepreneurship and rural transformation through meaningful partnerships.

Welcoming the gathering, Dr. Jyoti V. Vastrad, Dean, College of Community Science, said the event was conceived to empower women artisans and rural entrepreneurs by creating sustainable market opportunities and fostering direct linkages with buyers, investors and industry.

The Guests of Honour, Satinder Kumar Bhalla, ITS, Secretary, North Eastern Council; Dr. K. M. Bujar Baruah, former Vice Chancellor, Assam Agricultural University; Prof. Dipjyoti Rajkhowa, Vice Chancellor, Assam Agricultural University; Amitav Roy, DIG (PSO), Frontier Headquarters, BSF, Shillong; and Ankur Jain, DIGP (AP), Assam, also addressed the gathering and highlighted the importance of strengthening branding, market access, value addition and institutional collaboration to promote entrepreneurship and indigenous products from Northeast India.

The inaugural programme also witnessed the release of two publications by the College of Community Science, Central Agricultural University (Imphal): Beyond Tradition: Artisans Building Tomorrow, A Catalogue to Contact and Connect, and Student’s Innovation & Futuristic Agri-Entrepreneurship: Advancing Agri-startups & Allied Business.

The programme was attended by the Vice Chancellors of Captain Williamson Sangma University, Tura, and The ICFAI University Meghalaya; Directors, Deans and senior officers of Central Agricultural University, Imphal; representatives of government departments, the media, and leading industry experts, entrepreneurs and mentors, including Anupam Bansal, Ruchita Bansal, Vijay Sharma, Shilpa Sapra, Hema Suri, Dr. Aparajita Prasad, Dr. Suhani Dahia, Dr. Preeti Sharma, Rashu Chander and Minha Riaz.

The inaugural session concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by Dr. Ranima Saikia, Associate Professor and Organising Secretary.