Regional SARAS Fair 2021 underway in Kohima

Our Correspondent
Kohima | March 24

A weeklong mega fair of rural products billed as “Regional SARAS Fair 2021” got underway here at Kohima Local Ground. SARAS stands for (Sale of Articles of Rural Artisans Society).

Inaugurating the fair, Nagaland’s urban development and municipal affairs advisor Dr Neikiesalie (Nicky) Kire called upon the participating SHGs not only to sell the products through this platform but to have companionship attitude and learn from each other. He encouraged them to learn, exchange and emulate the best practices from each other. 

To the SHGs, he encouraged them to avail the opportunities provided by such platform to not just confine their products in the local market but to promote and expand it to a broader market.

Dr Nicky suggested for promoting of different products which are unique to a particular region and expressed hope that with improvement in the COVID-19 pandemic, more SHGs will participate in future fairs.

Nagaland State Rural Livelihoods Mission (NSRLM) mission director Imtimenla said that COVID-19 pandemic has adversely affected small businesses in the state. She said that with relaxation in SOPs, the SARAS Fair is being held to encourage SHGs to restart their business.

SARAS fair is a distinctive initiative of Ministry of Rural Development, Government of India.

Here in Nagaland, the SARAS fair is managed by NSRLM, Department of Rural Development.

This fair aims to market rural products thereby providing an opportunity for income generation to the Self Help Groups and rural artisans. It also aims to promote rural products and build capacities of Self Help Groups by bringing them under one platform where they can promote their products through exhibition and sale.

Several Self Help Groups (SHGs) from 11 districts turned up at the fair.

Several items like, fresh fruits and vegetables, flowers, rice, preserved food items and pickles, kholar, soyabean, snacks and savouries, fruit juices and medicinal extracts, jewellery and accessories, handloom & handicrafts, daily use commodities etc. have been made available at reasonable price.

According to NSRLM, Nagaland has huge potential in various rural and small scale sectors.

“However, a major hindrance is the lack of markets for selling of products. The fair provides marketing opportunities and exposure to rural community and entrepreneurs and create awareness amongst urban consumers about rural products,” it stated.

The fair will continue till March 31 from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM daily.