As the 38th installment of India International Trade Fair (IITF)-2018 commenced in Delhi’s Pragati Maidan on Wednesday with the theme ‘Rural Enterprises in India’, the officials say that the theme commemorates the 150th birth year of Mahatma Gandhi.

“The theme is relevant as India celebrated 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi this year. This theme also jells with PM Modi’s vision of doubling the income of agriculture community by 2022,” said Sanjay Vashistha, Manager (PR), India Trade Promotion Organisation.

As one enters Hall-7 of Khadi India, a statue of Mahatma Gandhi is what catches one’s eye. Written above are the words, ‘Selfie with Gandhiji’. The statue is once again the main attraction, said other official.

The theme has been depicted in various states pavilions but in the main pavilion at Hall-7, there is a 'theme pavilion', Vashistha added.

Hall-7 is totally devoted to Ministry of Micro Small and Medium Enterprises, CAPART, Ministry of Social Justice, Ministry of Minority Affairs, Khadi and Village Industries Commission, Department of area Industrial Policy & Promotion, National Jute Boards, TRIFED etc.

Apart from that, the foreign participants have been given Hall-9 and 10. "This year, participants from 16 countries have come who will be selling stuff to people in Hall-9 and 10," Vashistha added.

As per the some officials, this year, the fair has been organised in just 20 per cent of the total area due to some on-going construction work. This year, the partner country is Afghanistan while the focus country is Nepal. Also, the focus State this time is Jharkhand.

“Due to some construction work, the size of the fair has been reduced. As far as the footfall is concerned, the initial four days being business days will not see many footfalls but people are still showing interest in the fair,” said a senior official. The fair will be fully opened for public view from Sunday, Vashistha said.