Tura, Sept. 24: It was a toast to food and music at the Icfai food festival, hosted at Icfai University, Meghalaya, today.

The festival was attended by state sports and youth affairs minister Zenith Sangma, parliamentary secretary Ashahel D. Shira and West Garo Hills deputy commissioner Pravin Bakshi, among others.

A total of 42 participants, including students, took part in a competition that was a part of the event, comprising five categories - Indian, indigenous, vegetable carving, salad and confectioneries.

Organised by the department of travel and tourism and Icfai University, the Meghalaya competition was judged by some of the best-known food experts here. Talking about the potential of exotic Garo delicacies, Sangma said, "We have to popularise local cuisine to attract visitors to Garo hills. People travel for several reasons and one of them is always the food".

He said Mission Organic - a flagship programme of the state government - would benefit interested entrepreneurs, who could set up ventures that revolve# around the food industry. "The government is committed to providing complete protection and security in the food chain through Mission Organic," he added.

The minister said Meghalaya hosted the international Terra Madre Festival last year in Shillong to demonstrate the diversity of indigenous cuisine and successfully marketed the state. "We have to promote our food stories and the nutritional value of fresh food," he added.

Alicia Gatpoh, vice-chancellor of Icfai University, Meghalaya, said, "The festival is an attempt to supplement the tourism industry". She said through the festival the university enlightened the students on the scope of the food industry.

Bakshi said, "The strength of Garo hills lies in its food, which needs to be promoted and branded."