The 3rd Buyers Seller Meet, organised under National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM), by the office of the Deputy Commissioners, West Jaintia Hills District in collaboration with several line departments of the district aimed at Empowering the Local Entrepreneur of the district was held at Jrisalein Playground, Chutwakhu, Jowai.
The two-day Buyer and Seller meet features around 100 stalls displaying agricultural products such as organic fresh vegetables, fruits, processed food items, species, as well as local craft and handicraft.
Several stalls also offered valuable services and information on career opportunities, Aadhaar registration and e-KYC, Self Help groups (SHG), Skill India and Meghalaya State Skills Development Society (MSSDS) also participated, creating a platform for livelihood promotion and employment.
The Buyer Seller meet was graced by the Minister of Health Shri. Wailadmiki Shylla. In his address he expressed his appreciation for the efforts taken by the district administration, various line departments and all participating groups. He commended the organisers for creating an initiative that brings together farmers, entrepreneurs, SHGs and buyers under one roof, strengthening and promoting community led development.
Shri. Wailadmiki, highlighted that the Buyer-Seller meet serves as an important opportunity for farmers and local producers to showcase their hard work, dedication and unique products. He encouraged all participating farmers and entrepreneurs to interact freely with each other as well as with visitors, buyers and organisations present at the venue. He urged them to maintain a warm, welcoming and friendly attitude at their stalls, emphasising that such gestures help build trust and long-term relationships with customers and business partners.
He mentioned that the primary aim of the meet is to support farmers from every part of the district by providing them exposure, visibility and access to markets. While acknowledging that the sellers had faced reduced market activity last year due to shifting of the event to this new venue, he expressed confidence this year ‘s meet and years to come would show improved results as the location is now better recognised by the public and offers a more spacious setting. He added that many farmers possess expectational skill and produce high quality goods, but often lack the platform to showcase them. Events like this, he said, not only helped bridge that gap but also empower farmers to scale up their production, adopt better farming practice, skills, ideas and also improve their income.
The Minister expressed hope that the Buyer -Seller Meet will enhance production, generate new livelihood opportunities and promote sustainable economic growth in the district, encouraging both buyer and seller to actively engage, collaborate and take pride in the district’s unique products and skills.
Speaking on the occasion, Shri, Abhinav Kumar Singh, IAS, Deputy Commissioner, WJHD highlighted the significance of the Buyers and sellers meet as an initiative aimed at empowering local entrepreneurs and strengthening the economic landscape of West Jaintia Hills District.
He stated that the programme is not just a marketplace but a platform for connection, collaboration and growth for farmers, artisans, Self Help Groups (SHG) and small business owners.
He emphasised the transformative impact of grassroots entrepreneurship, noting that providing local producers with visibility, training and market access fosters confidence, creativity and resilience within the community. He added that the event also helps to build trust, strengthen supply chains and enables local entrepreneurs to reach wider markets.
Shri Abhinav also expressed his gratitude to Cabinet Minister Shri Wailadmiki and acknowledged the support of MSRLM, MSSDS, Skill India and various community organisations for making the programme possible. He encouraged buyers to engage with local entrepreneurs and explore collaboration opportunities, while urging the sellers to continue innovating and believing in the value of their products.
In her keynote address, Smt. B.Blah, Additional Deputy Commissioner and Project Direct DRDA & Nodal Officer DMMU, WJHD highlighted the objective of the buyer and seller meet, emphasising the platform is provided for farmers, SHG to showcase their products and tools. She also informed that the event would serve as a platform for youths to showcase their talent through musical performance, traditional dance and fashion show promoting local culture and creativity.
Shri. Shanlang Lyngdoh, COO-LP, MSRLS-SMMU who was also present, spoke on the occasion. Shri. Lambor Suchen, Skill Development Officer WJHS delivered the vote of thanks.
