Agartala, March 7: Marking a significant step in promoting women-led entrepreneurship, the NatureliQ Tea Cafeteria was inaugurated on Saturday in Tripura’s Unakoti district, showcasing locally produced tea products and strengthening livelihood opportunities for women.
The roadside cafeteria is being operated by Milong Tea NFC and has been supported by the Tripura Rural Livelihood Mission (TRLM). The facility was formally inaugurated by Minister for Youth Affairs & Sports, Social Welfare & Social Education, and Labour Tinku Roy.
According to members of the group, the initiative is the outcome of a journey that began in 2024 when small tea growers in the district faced difficulties in sustaining cultivation due to limited market access and financial constraints. With guidance from district officials and TRLM, the growers gradually shifted their focus towards tea processing, branding, and marketing. This led to the formation of Milong Tea NFC, which began producing a range of premium tea varieties.
Over time, the group developed products such as Orthodox Tea, Green Tea, Roselle Tea, and Lemongrass Tea under the NatureliQ brand. The brand was officially launched by Chief Minister Manik Saha in March 2025 and soon gained recognition at various regional and national fairs.
Their stall received the “Best Food Stall” award at the SARAS Mela, further encouraging the group to expand their venture. Building on this success, the women decided to establish a permanent tea cafeteria. With support from the local administration and TRLM, a roadside structure was transformed into a welcoming tea hub promoting locally produced beverages.
Speaking at the inauguration, Minister Roy said the initiative represents more than just a business venture. “This initiative is not just about tea, it is about empowerment. The NatureliQ cafeteria will provide sustainable income to SHG women, showcase Tripura’s unique tea products, and inspire others to take up entrepreneurship,” he said.
Officials stated that the project could serve as a model for women-led enterprises in the state by combining traditional skills with modern branding and marketing.
On the same day, Minister Roy also inaugurated the office of Panchadeep Mahila Cluster Bahumukhi Samabaya Samiti Ltd., further strengthening institutional support for women’s self-help groups in the region.
