Imphal, Nov 17 In order to promote the products of the hill regions of Manipur, the State recently held its first State level Mega Tribal Fair, 2009.

With the theme "Promoting Economic Empowerment through micro credit and Agriculture sustainable through Organic Farming", the four-day fair was held at Mantripukhri in Imphal.

The event was organized under the Diocesan Social Service Society (DSSS), a Roman Catholic Christian organization, with the support of National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) and UBI.

The Mega fair was organized with the aim of supporting farmers, particularly Organic Farmers Groups and Self Help Groups, by providing them a platform to exhibit their agricultural, handloom and handicraft products and creating market linkages with local, national and international buyers.

Organic agriculture products free of fertilizers, pesticides and insecticides were the main items, which attracted buyers.

"Giving incentives in the form of loans to tribal people, so that they themselves can become resourceful. I think, this is one of the best work taken up by Christian Catholic for the interest of tribals and their upliftment," said D. D. Thaisii, Tribal Development and Hills Minister.

While, Father Varghese, Director of the Diocesan Social Service Society, said: "It was an effort that we are making in Manipur, where there are lots of ethnic disharmony. To bring these communities together, we can work together and we can improve the living standards of the people. That is what we want."

There were around 72 stalls from different hill districts of the State at the fair.Such fairs will help the tribal people in marketing agricultural and handloom products and this will give a boost to economic development of the region. (ANI)