Amaravati, Oct 17 The national SARAS Mela, being organised for the first time in Vijayawada, is attracting an overwhelming response from the public, National Institute of Rural Development (NIRD) additional director Sudheer Kumar said on Saturday.
The National Sale of Articles of Rural Artisans Society (SARAS) Mela is being held under the aegis of the Union Ministry of Rural Development with the support of the Andhra Pradesh Society for Elimination of Rural Poverty (SERP).
Addressing a press conference at the SARAS Exhibition Grounds at Punnami Ghat, Sudheer Kumar said the primary objective of the mela was to provide a national-level marketing platform for products made by women members of self-help groups (SHGs) across the country and encourage women entrepreneurs.
“The Mela is attracting an overwhelming response,” said Kumar.
Around 600 stalls have been set up at the mela featuring handloom products, handicrafts and natural food products.
A special food court with 50 live food stalls has also been established to offer visitors traditional cuisines from different states.
Around 1,500 women entrepreneurs representing self-help groups from 32 states and Union Territories are enthusiastically participating in the event and showcasing their products, said Kumar.
On special arrangements for visitors, he said special pavilions have been set up at the exhibition grounds to ensure the convenience of visitors and participating artisans.
A Convergence Pavilion has been set up to showcase various government schemes and create awareness among SHG members about the programmes implemented by different government departments.
The pavilion also provides information on government initiatives and opportunities available to women entrepreneurs, said Kumar.
Elaborating on training in marketing skills for women entrepreneurs, he said special training programmes are being conducted at the ‘Meet and Greet Pavilion’ to help women SHG members develop their products into quality brands and market them nationally and internationally.
The daily sessions, organised with the support of experts from the National Institute of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj (NIRDPR) and other national-level specialists, cover branding, packaging, export marketing and value chain management, among other activities.
The Lakhpati Didi Pavilion is another major attraction, highlighting the success stories, business skills and unique products of women entrepreneurs.
SARAS mela reflects India’s culture and traditions, showcasing handloom textiles, handicrafts, natural food products, traditional art forms and others, added Kumar.
(PTI News)
