Tura/Meghalaya: The District Commerce and Industries Centre inaugurated the two day Tura Industrial Fair 2.0 (TIF) at the Police Parade Ground, Tura, Meghalaya on April 20.

The event was opened by the Deputy Commissioner, West Garo Hills, Jagdish Chelani, reported The Shillong Times.

The purpose of the annual industrial fair is to support and boost the emerging local entrepreneurs in the area and showcase their products to potential customers.

Deputy Commissioner Jagdish Chelani, at the opening ceremony expressed his enthusiastic support and cooperation towards the participants of the Industrial Fair.

He expressed his pleasure in being in the company of the talented artisans from the region and acknowledged their dedication and vibrant contribution in showcasing their products and promoting their art with great zeal.

He acknowledged the region's production of high-quality agri-horti products, among other things, but also expressed disappointment in the lack of progress in the industrial sector and marketing linkages within the state.

Joint Director of the Commerce and Industries Centre (DCIC) in Tura, P Toi, stated that the department has been organizing the District Industrial Exhibition every year, which was renamed Tura Industrial Fair last year.

He added that the primary objective of such exhibitions is to benefit the local artisans and participants by providing them with a platform to showcase their products and facilitate meetings between buyers and sellers.

Furthermore, he mentioned that artisans participating in this exhibition would be considered for the State Handicraft Award and would also have the opportunity to participate in exhibitions in other states, including IITF in New Delhi.

Several departments, including Animal Husbandry & Veterinary, Sericulture and Weaving, District Horticulture, Tura Polytechnic (Food Processing), and local entrepreneurs from the Garo Hills region participated in the event, displaying and selling a range of products.

These products included locally sourced food items, wooden crafts and artefacts, cane and bamboo items, locally made soaps and candles, as well as weaving and handloom products such as Dakmandas and accessories.

The event was attended by heads of departments, DCIC officers and staff, local artisans, and members of the community.