Shillong, Feb 13: Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma inaugurated a district emporium at the District Commerce & Industries Centre (DCIC), Williamnagar today.
The emporium was set up as an initiative under the District Mineral Foundation (DMF) and implemented by the District Administration, East Garo Hills to provide a dedicated platform for local artisans, entrepreneurs, and small businesses to display and market their products.
The initiative is expected to enhance livelihoods, generate employment opportunities, and contribute to the sustained growth of the district’s local economy.
In his address, the Chief Minister highlighted several major initiatives of the DCIC, including the ₹25-crore food processing unit at Tikrikilla, which supplies Nokma ice cream using raw materials sourced from local farmers; the ₹20-crore rubber processing unit at Songsak; and a ₹25-crore freezing and drying plant expected to be completed by April–May, which will support pineapple, orange and banana farmers across Garo Hills. He also referred to the Rongara processing unit that manufactures A’wang chips as an example of value addition to local produce.
Emphasizing the importance of expanding market access, he said similar emporiums should be established across the state and suggested partnerships with self-help groups and private entrepreneurs to manage them professionally.
“The role of the department is to devise policies, implement schemes, and provide support,” he stated.
He urged young people to adopt an entrepreneurial mindset, encouraging them to “be business and enterprise minded and take calculated risks,” while also outlining the growing livelihood opportunities emerging in the tourism sector.
