Saras Fair underway to promote SHG

Our Correspondent
Kohima, March 24 (EMN): 'Regional Saras Fair 2021' organised by the Nagaland State Rural Livelihood Mission (NSRLM) got underway at Khouchiezie in Kohima on Wednesday.

Speaking during the inaugural programme, advisor for Urban Development and Municipal Affairs, Dr. Neikiesalie Kire urged the self help group (SHG) members to take the opportunity in learning good practices from one another and inculcate them in the days to come.

Stating that people from outside the state were interested in the indigenous foods and products of Nagaland, he called upon them to explore more instead of confining themselves. "The SHGs should be able to demonstrate the products and try to get the market," he added.

While reminding that the Covid-19 pandemic was yet to get over, the advisor urged all the participants and visitors to follow the SOPs for the safety of all.

Mission director of NSRLM, Imtimenla, informed that the mega fair was an initiative of the Ministry of Rural Development. The objective was to bring the local artisans and SHGs on one platform where they could promote and sell their products and also get exposure in a bigger entrepreneur platform.

Informing that they had planned to conduct two Saras in a year, she however stated they could not implement because of the pandemic and time constraints. But with relaxation in Covid-19 SOPs, the mega fair was organised, she said.

She also said that they had invited two SHGs with two representatives each from the eleven districts for the mega fair.

“There are 12 districts but till now NSRLM's intervention is yet to reach one district. As and when the state government does necessary approval in the coming Saras, we are hopeful that the new district will also participate,” she added.

The officer informed me that the products are sourced from different districts and are indigenous. It is not about SHGs selling their products but also an opportunity for them to promote their products and meet the customers on a larger scale, Imtimenla maintained.

“During the pandemic time, small SHGs were affected. Therefore, the mission felt the need to have this Saras to encourage them to restart their business as well to come forward and do more business through platform,” she said.

She informed that they would conduct more Saras even in the days to come to promote the SHGs saying that Nagaland State Rural Livelihoods Mission is about promoting women through SHGs.