Shillong: The College of Community Science, Tura, under the Central Agricultural University (CAU), Imphal, will organise a two-day National Buyer–Seller Meet-cum-Exhibition on Indigenous and Heritage Products of Northeast India at the State Convention Centre in Shillong, Meghalaya, on July 24 and 25.

The event, themed “From Heritage to Enterprise: Empowering Women Artisans in Northeast India,” aims to create a national platform for showcasing the region’s indigenous products while promoting enterprise development, business networking and market expansion for women-led enterprises.

The programme is expected to bring together more than 100 artisans nominated by various agencies, along with entrepreneurs, Self-Help Groups (SHGs), Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs), startups, investors, buyers, exporters, researchers, policymakers and industry experts from across the country.

Several leading organisations will participate in the event, including the Promotion and Incubation of Market-Driven Enterprises (PRIME), Meghalaya, the Department of Agriculture and Horticulture, Government of Meghalaya, the Meghalaya State Skill Development Society (MSSDS), the Directorate of Food Processing (DoFP), Meghalaya, the Meghalaya Basin Management Agency (MBMA), and other institutions engaged in entrepreneurship development and market promotion.

The exhibition will feature a diverse range of indigenous and Geographical Indication (GI) products from all eight Northeastern states. Visitors will also get an opportunity to witness live craft demonstrations and heritage product displays highlighting the region’s rich cultural traditions and craftsmanship.

A dedicated Buyer–Seller Marketplace will facilitate Business-to-Business (B2B) and Business-to-Consumer (B2C) interactions, enabling direct engagement between producers, buyers, retailers, exporters and investors. The programme will also include networking sessions with national buyers, participation by retail chains and e-commerce platforms, institutional procurement opportunities, and investor-entrepreneur interactions to help expand market access for local enterprises.

The event will feature technical sessions on branding, packaging, digital marketing, e-commerce, financial assistance, government support schemes and sustainable production systems, providing practical guidance to entrepreneurs to improve product quality and strengthen their businesses.

Northeast India is widely recognised for its rich cultural heritage and diverse indigenous products, including traditional handloom textiles, handicrafts, bamboo and cane products, natural fibre items, herbal and wellness products, eco-friendly innovations and traditional food products. However, many women-led enterprises continue to face challenges in branding, packaging, technology adoption and market access.

The National Buyer–Seller Meet has been conceived to address these challenges by creating direct linkages between producers, buyers, investors and institutional stakeholders. Organisers believe the initiative will foster meaningful collaborations, strengthen market opportunities for women entrepreneurs and contribute to sustainable economic development across Northeast India.