Biswa Bangla to help promote lollipop, noodles of Kalimpong

Kolkata: The initiative of the state government in promoting the famous lollipop and noodles of Kalimpong through Biswa Bangla, will help create a wider market for the produce from the Hills.

It may be mentioned that the Mamata Banerjee government has taken all necessary steps for development of the Hills and for the first time ever, the Hill Business Summit held in Darjeeling on March 13 and 14.

The matters related to ensuring better promotion and marketing of the famous Kalimpong lollipop and noodles, along with other produce of the Hills, have also been discussed in the business summit.

Kalimpong, which has become a new district in February 2017, is always famous for beverages and special food items from the Hills. But hardly any step was taken before the change of guard in the state in 2011, for promotion of the products.

Now, step has been taken to establish "a marketing linkage" for both lollipop and noodles through Biswa Bangla.

It will ensure better promotion of the products that will give a major boost to the industry, said an official, adding that the state Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise and Textile department is taking all necessary steps in this regard. Official work is also underway.

Steps have also been taken to ensure that they become available in retail chains and talks in this regard are also going on.

It may be recalled that the Kalimpong Home Products was famous in the entire country and it was damaged in a devastating fire during agitations in the early 1990's. Dr Graham's Home was set up in Kalimpong in the British Period for destitute children and orphans.

Cakes and pastries were made by the children and initially, it was sold locally. Later, it became famous in the entire country and there was also an outlet in Kolkata.

Now, the famous products of Kalimpong, mainly the lollipop, has a worldwide demand as tourists who visit the Hills take it back home for their near and dear ones.

Steps have also been taken for introduction of modern technology for the production of both lollipop and noodles and at the same time, to ensure better packaging of the products.

It may be mentioned that around 250 families across the district are involved in the business of preparing the noodles.