Saras Fair platform for skilled artisans: Biswajit
Source: Chronicle News Service / DIPR

Imphal, November 02 2021: SARAS Fair is a platform for the rural poor with marginal produces (farm and non-farm) to showcase their products, capacity, ability and skills of livelihood after completion of training, said Rural Development and Panchayati Raj minister Thongam Biswajit Singh.

Speaking at the inaugural function of the Regional SARAS Fair, 2021 at Iboyaima Shumang Leela Shanglen on Tuesday, minister Biswajit informed that the stalls set up in the SARAS Fair are operated by Self Helf Groups under the Village Level Federations.

While explaining that the village level federations are functioning under National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM), which is one of the flagship programmes of the central government to empower the rural poor, he stated that Manipur State Rural Livelihoods Mission (MSRLM) is the nodal agency to implement NRLM projects in the state.

Further stating that the MSRLM has already covered eight districts, 27 blocks, 251 Gram Panchayats and 460 villages, Biswajit said that under the MSRLM, 2981 Self Help Groups have been formed, covered 33,204 households and 174 Village Level Federations.

Biswajit also spoke on the importance of Mission for Economic Empowerment of Traditional Artisans & Craftsmen (MEETAC) and suggested capacity building trainings for the SHGs under MEETAC, saying such initiative would help in improving quality of the products.

Stressing the need for proper packaging in order to add value of any product and advising SHG members to take part in training programmes on packaging, he sought pro-active involvement of the SHGs to realise the goal of a self-sufficient Manipur to be part of Atmanirbhar Bharat.

It is quite encouraging that the focus is on local products at the SARAS Fair, he said adding that Prime Minister Narendra Modi's call is to be "Vocal for Local".

Biswajit further sought cooperation from all sections of the society to build a strong Manipur.

MLA Oinam AC L Radhakishore Singh also attended the event and spoke about the need to support local artisans.

"We should promote and support our local products so as to enhance the livelihood of our rural artisans," he said and appreciated the local artisans for their efforts.

MANIDCO chairman Dr Radheshyam Yumnam and additional chief secretary of RD&PR MH Khan also attended the inaugural function.

The SARAS Fair, 2021 with 128 stalls showcasing handloom products, handicraft suited to contemporary tastes, carved woods, shawls, vegetables, spices, processed food items, cane and bamboo products, and others from different districts of the state, will continue till November 10 .

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