With an aim to showcase its arts, crafts, artisans and be a gateway to tourism, a Meghalayan Age store was opened in New Delhi today, with Chief Minister Conrad Sangma at the function.
Though Meghalaya is known for its arts, crafts, textiles and agri-produce, its artisans and farmers have not been able to command a premium price for their products due the lack of an overarching marketing platform.
The new shop is meant to be this overarching platform that will enable the artisans and farmers of the state to reach out to upmarket clientele. The store hosts a wide range of curated products, ranging from Larnai pottery to Ryndia silk. Additionally, the store also markets indigenous agri-products of Meghalaya such as Lakadong turmeric, wild forest honey and sohiong jam.
Also present on the occasion was Union Minister for Textiles and Commerce and Industries, Piyush Goyal.
“Meghalayan Age Store is a step taken by the government towards enabling artisans and farmers of the state to attain a higher value and appreciation for their products. The store will be a platform for the people of Meghalaya to showcase their products and talent at the nation’s capital to a niche consumer segment willing to pay a premium price,” Sangma said.
The Meghalayan Age Store is located within the Rajiv Gandhi Handicrafts Bhavan at Baba Kharak Singh Road, Connaught Place. Apart from being a marketing platform for the state’s products, the establishment, it is hoped, will also act as a gateway for tourists who want to visit the state.
An online version of the store is also being prepped to be launched in the next two to three months, and future expansion of the store to other major cities in India is also being planned.
