SW & SE Minister inaugurates NatureliQ Tea Cafeteria, boosting women's income in Tripura

A new milestone in women-led entrepreneurship was marked with the inauguration of the NatureliQ Tea Cafeteria, on Saturday, run by Milong Tea NFC, in Unakoti district. The roadside cafeteria, supported by Tripura Rural Livelihood Mission (TRLM), was formally opened by Minister of Youth Affairs & Sports, Social Welfare & Social Education, and Labour, Tinku Roy.

As per details shared by the members, the cafeteria is the result of a long journey that began in 2024, when small tea growers in the district faced challenges in sustaining cultivation. With guidance from district officials and TRLM, the focus shifted to tea processing and marketing, leading to the creation of Milong Tea NFC. Over time, the group developed premium products such as Orthodox Tea, Green Tea, Roselle Tea, and Lemongrass Tea under the NatureliQ brand, which was officially launched by the Chief Minister in March 2025.

The brand quickly gained recognition at regional and national fairs, including the SARAS Mela, where their stall was awarded “Best Food Stall.” Encouraged by this success, the group decided to establish a permanent cafeteria, transforming a roadside structure into a welcoming tea hub with support from local administration and TRLM.

After inaugurating the cafeteria, Minister Tinku Roy said, “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. Our government is committed to supporting such grassroots efforts that strengthen both livelihoods and local identity.”

Officials noted that the cafeteria will serve as a model for women-led enterprises in Tripura, combining traditional skills with modern branding to create lasting economic opportunities.

Meanwhile, adding a new chapter in women's empowerment, Minister Roy also inaugurated the office of Panchadeep Mahila Cluster Bahumukhi Samabaya Samiti Ltd. on the same day.