Shillong, May 21: The NEAT FEST 2013 was inaugurated here today at the All Saints Cathedral Hall to showcase the value added minor forest produces of the North East which was organised by the North Eastern Region Community Resources Management Project (NERCORMP), a joint project of NEC and IFAD.
Shri Ameising Luikham, Secretary, NEC who inaugurated the Fest said in his inaugural speech that is an effort to bring about regeneration of the rural economy with the active participation of the rural people. He praised the activities of NERCORMP to improve the quality of life in the rural areas and develop entrepreneurship among the people. There is a need to bring more awareness to develop and market the indigenous products of the NE Region, he said. There is an effort to include more districts in Assam, Meghalaya and Manipur and also Arunachal Pradesh to market the produces of NE to provide suitable livelihood to the people.
Shri J. Lhungdim, Planning Adviser, NEC and Shri G.K. Chin, Financial Adviser, NEC also spoke as Guest of Honour on the occasion.
NERCORMP is a likelihood project aimed to transform the lives of poor tribal families of the NE. It is a joint initiative of the NEC, Ministry of DoNER, Govt. of India and International Fund for Agriculture Development (IFAD)
NEAT FEST in NERCORMP is an annual event organised to promote the communities and their produces, to give them exposure on customer demand and taste. This helps in building the market linkages. The North East Agro-Business Trade Festival is a platform to showcase produces of SHGs/NaRMGs promoted by NERCORMP in the six districts namely Ukhrul and Senapati of Manipur, Karbi Anglong and Dima Hasao Hills of Assam, West Garo Hills and West Khasi Hills of Meghalaya. All produces produced by the communities is marketed under a registered brand name NEAT in NERCORMP. (SP News)
