Shillong, Oct 13: Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma on Tuesday inaugurated the Meghalayan Age Pavilion at Ward’s Lake in Shillong, a new retail and cultural space aimed at promoting local entrepreneurs, agricultural produce, traditional crafts and tourism.
The pavilion houses the Meghalayan Age (MAL) Store, bringing together locally made food products, wines, coffee, textiles, handicrafts and agricultural produce under one roof. The initiative seeks to connect farmers, self-help groups (SHGs) and entrepreneurs from across the state with a wider market.
Describing the pavilion as more than a commercial space, Sangma said it represented the journey of Meghalaya’s entrepreneurs and the growing emphasis on adding value to locally available resources.
“Every single store, every single product you see here has a story. It breathes Meghalaya,” he said.
Recalling how locally produced wines were once sold in reused beer bottles with makeshift packaging, the chief minister said the experience prompted the government to explore ways to improve the presentation and marketability of indigenous products.
The government subsequently introduced a wine policy to promote fruits grown by local farmers and supported entrepreneurs through training, incubation facilities and quality-control initiatives, including assistance through the PRIME programme.
“Today, to see that store up there with all our local wines made by our own entrepreneurs is an amazing story of where we have come from,” Sangma said.
He cited locally made ice creams using Lakadong turmeric, pineapple and other agricultural produce as examples of how value addition could create new opportunities for farmers and businesses.
The chief minister said the pavilion’s outlets were operated by entrepreneurs supported by PRIME, adding that the government had offered the space at concessional rental rates, including rent-free periods of six months to one year, to help startups establish themselves.
Ward’s Lake to get tourism upgrade
Sangma said the pavilion was expected to become a major visitor attraction in Shillong, complementing the ongoing development of the Ward’s Lake area.
Plans include strengthening and renovating the lake’s iconic bridge without altering its design, improving water quality through treatment and filtration, and installing lighting and creating an amphitheatre and performance spaces.
An evening programme, the Meghalayan Age Music Programme (MGMP), will provide a platform for local singers, musicians and performers while offering visitors a cultural experience alongside shopping, dining and wine tasting.
The pavilion is expected to remain open until late evening, creating opportunities for businesses and artists.
The government also plans to develop similar pavilions and experience stores at Barik Point, Polo Riverfront, Umiam near the boating area and the New Shillong Secretariat area. Other proposed locations include Tura, Nongpoh, Jowai, Nongstoin, Williamnagar and Baghmara.
Sangma said a Unity Mall planned in the New Shillong area would be significantly larger than the current pavilion.
Traditional textiles, local food take centre stage
The pavilion also showcases Ryndia textiles and fashion, alongside processed fruits, Lakadong-based products and other locally made goods.
Sangma highlighted the work involved in developing Ryndia products, pointing to the chain of activities connecting farmers who rear cocoons with weavers and artisans using natural dyes. He said research and development were required to improve aspects such as colour fastness.
The chief minister credited government officials, designers, engineers, contractors and entrepreneurs for bringing the project to fruition, emphasising the importance of implementation alongside planning.
He said the initiative was intended to demonstrate the potential of Meghalaya’s young entrepreneurs and local producers while creating sustainable livelihood opportunities.
Tourism Minister Timothy D. Shira, officials from the Tourism and Urban Affairs departments, Meghalaya Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC), entrepreneurs, designers and representatives of SHGs attended the inauguration.
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