For the first time, the Tripura Rural Livelihood Mission (TRLM) is set to organise a dedicated Food Saras Fair in Agartala this February, aimed at highlighting the culinary talents and entrepreneurial skills of women Self Help Group (SHG) members from across the state. The initiative marks a significant step towards strengthening women-led food enterprises and expanding livelihood opportunities under TRLM.
Announcing the programme, TRLM Chief Executive Officer Tarit Kanti Chakma, IAS, said the decision to introduce a separate food-focused fair was taken after witnessing the remarkable success of food stalls at the 20th Saras Mela. The previous mela recorded total sales of Rs 17.67 crore, with a substantial portion generated through food-related activities. He noted that many SHG women, popularly known as TRLM didis, launched new food products during the mela, receiving an encouraging response from visitors. “The strong demand and innovation in food products convinced us to create a dedicated platform exclusively for food enterprises,” Chakma said.
The upcoming Saras Food Fair 1.0 will feature between 110 and 125 stalls, showcasing a diverse range of traditional Tripuri delicacies, regional cuisines, snacks, sweets, beverages, and innovative food products prepared by SHG members. Officials said the fair is designed to provide direct market exposure to women entrepreneurs, help them understand consumer preferences, and promote sustainable income generation through food-based livelihoods.
On Saturday, a joint site inspection was conducted at Vivekananda Maidan, which has been selected as the venue for the fair. The visit was chaired by the TRLM CEO and attended by engineers from the Rural Development Department to review infrastructure, stall layout, and other logistical arrangements to ensure smooth organisation of the event.
The Food Saras Fair is expected to attract large crowds from Agartala and nearby areas. By directly connecting SHG women with consumers, the initiative aims to expand their market reach beyond local levels and further empower women through entrepreneurship and self-reliance.
