Food from 22 states, UTs to be served at trade fair

West Bengal and Jharkhand are 'partner states', and Bihar and Orissa would be the 'focus states'. Eight hydrogen-fuelled three-wheelers to transport goods will also be showcased for the first time

Here comes some good news for the regular faces at the trade fair. This year, at the 31st India International Trade Fair (IITF) that will kick off at Pragati Maidan on November 14, food from 22 states and Union territories will be served.

In full swing: Artists give final touches to the Delhi pavilion at Pragati
Maidan.

The first five days of the fair will be reserved for business and trade visitors, and the IITF will be thrown open for the general public from November 19 till 27. Over 6,000 exhibitors from India and abroad, showcasing a range of products, will take part in the fair. The theme of IITF this year is 'Indian handicrafts-The magic of the gifted hands'.

ITPO chairman Rajeev Kher, along with with ED Neeraj Gupta, at a press
conference in New Delhi on Wednesday. PICs/Imtiyaz Khan

More outlets
"We have tremendous participation from various states. Last year, only 13-14 states served their food. Apart from this, we will have a wide variety of branded food. We have also increased the number of outlets this year," said Rajeev Kher, chairman and managing director, India Trade Promotion Organisation (ITPO).

The fair tickets will be available at all Metro stations. The entry will be open from 9.30 am to 7.30 pm. Senior citizens and physically-challenged will get free entry. West Bengal and Jharkhand are the 'partner states' this year, and Bihar and Orissa are the 'focus states'. Surprisingly, unlike the last year, there would be no international partner.

Only national partners
"But there is nothing to worry about. We have four states as our partner this year," said Kher. Elaborate security arrangements, including close-circuit television (CCTV) cameras, have been made.u00a0 X-ray baggage scanners will also be available at all entry points.

Another interesting fact is that this time, hydrogen-fuelled three-wheelers will be showcased. Over 1.4 million people are expected to throng the fortnight-long annual event. "Hydrogen-fuelled three-wheelers are a pilot project. The autos can be used for transportation of goods. Eight of such autos will be present at the fair," added Kher.