New Delhi, Nov.25 (ANI): The ongoing India International Trade Fair (IITF) 2011 in New Delhi provides a global platform for craftsmen and entrepreneurs from different states of the country. Many artisans from the northeast are using the opportunity to expand their market.
Babulal Debnath is a cane and bamboo trader from Agartala. He has been regularly exhibiting his products at the annual trade fair.
Over the years bulk buyers for his products have increased and his business has grown.
"Tripura is quite far from New Delhi. Our government has been encouraging us and making efforts to promote cane and bamboo products. We sell these products both in bulk and retail and over the years it has proven to be good for the artisans," said Babulal Debnath.
In all there are 25 exhibitors from Tripura who are showcasing handicrafts at the fair. Large crowds are flocking to the Tripura pavilion for the cane and bamboo products.
Exhibitors are using the fair to gain experience about customer demand and the changes they need to make to market their products in Delhi and in other places.
"Artisans get a good chance to evaluate their products in a direct buyer seller meet like this. They get to know what the demand for their products is like both outside the state and in the country and how they can increase its marketability," said Pradeep Shah, Director, Tripura Pavilion.
"I liked the handicraft products that are being exhibited here particularly - bamboo and cane. These products from Tripura are good and I will come back to the stall again," said Dhiren Gahlot, a visitor.
Exhibitors from Tripura, Manipur, Assam, Meghalaya and Nagaland are taking part in the fair.
In the Manipur pavilion 32 units are displaying a variety of products like handloom, artificial jewellery, decorative items, paintings, cultural artifacts and other indigenous food items.
"We have modified our products like bringing traditional designs on the jackets. Our aim is to bring the culture of Manipur into commodities that are readily marketable," Serong Iping, an exhibitor from that state said.
Now here we bring artisans from all the districts of Manipur and try to give an exposure to our craftsmen so that they get new design and new pricing and a global platform," said Apam Raguii, nodal officer, Manipur Pavilion
The fair also helps the visitors get to know more about the culture, economy and people of the northeastern states.
"Manipur and other northeast states are known as the corridors to the east, and it is through these states we can get to the Southeast Asian countries like Myanmar, China and others," said Ashwini Garg, a visitor.
During the fair every state was allotted a day to celebrate its state day with an aim to promote awareness about traditions of the region.
On the eve of Assam Day, cultural troupes from different districts of the state performed traditional dances and sang folk songs to entertain the visitors.
"Such program will tell people about the rich and diverse culture of Northeast," said Sananda Gogoi, an artist.
The IITF 2011 is a perfect blend of commerce and culture where people from different states get to know more about others. By Devesh Gupta (ANI)
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