ITANAGAR, Nov 23: Naharlagun has got two Rural Marts sanctioned by the National Bank for Agriculture & Rural Development, one each in two localities of the town, with Partho Saha, General Manager, NABARD, inaugurating the two marketing platforms at Barapani and Polo Colony in the township.
The rural mart sanctioned to the Arunachal Self Care Federation being facilitated by the National Urban Livelihood Mission was launched, in presence of Datum Gadi, EAC cum Assistant Commissioner IMC, Tapan Datta, AGM (NABARD), representatives of NULM and SHG members.
In his speech, Gadi exhorted the Federation members to work sincerely and honestly to ensure that the project was sustainable, providing a regular stream of earning to the members.
Speaking on the occasion, the GM, NABARD expressed his happiness that the small experiment of using SHGs as a means of extending credit outreach and empowerment of women has become such a “huge” success and today, the SHG members had the confidence to manage their own enterprise and eager to earn for themselves and their family. He explained the importance of working through the year and to have a stock ready for sale during the festive months without waiting for orders. This was necessary for maximizing the income of the weavers and other rural artisans, he said.
The second rural mart was also inaugurated on the same day, which was sanctioned to the AAMA SHG at Polo Colony. It was opened by GM, NABARD, in presence of Dr Deepak Gupta, Chairman APRB, AGM (NABARD), representatives of NULM, SHG members and media persons.
The marketing outlet will provide a platform to the farmers and SHG members to sell handloom textiles, handicraft items as well as processed farm products like turmeric powder, local maize, pulses and pickles.
The mart will also provide employment and livelihood opportunities to many SHG members.
In his address, Partho Saha informed that NABARD will provide grant assistance to cover the initial operational costs like rent and salary of sales person, besides cost of publicity and basic cost of setting up the establishment.
Moreover, APRB Chairman assured to provide financial support to the SHGs in case they required working capital for expanding their business.