SARAS Regional Fair underway at Senapati
Source: Chronicle News Service / DIO

Senapati, November 07 2024: The 17th Regional SARAS Fair 2024 is underway in full swing at Sanyii Dahrii Memorial Sports Complex, Khabung, Senapati district.

The Fair organised by Manipur State Rural Livelihoods Mission (MSRLM), Department of RD&PR, is the first such events in the district.

The Sale of Articles of Rural Artisans (SARAS) Fair 2024, inaugurated by special chief secretary (RD&PR) MH Khan as chief guest and Senapati deputy commissioner Mamoni Doley as guest of honour on November 5, will continue till November 12 .

In his address, MH Khan had encouraged the artisans to come out and earn from their produced articles, stating that SARAS Fair has created a convergent marketing platform for the rural artisans to meet their customers arid provide holistic marketing gateway.

Stated that SARAS Fair plays an active role in bring transformation in the Indian rural artisans' livelihood by generating income and enhancing the purchasing power of the rural communities, the chief guest maintained that such fairs facilitate preservation of the unique cultural assets of the country, as the crafts produced by rural artisans are prominent tool to generate revolutionary impact on the livelihood of rural artisans who occupy iconic position in the agrarian economy.

In her speech, DC Mamoni Doley focussed on the women empowerment and explained about the importance of SARAS.

She informed that self-help groups (SHGs) have created a huge milestone for women towards the betterment of economic condition in the family and society, and appealed to all the women to come forward in gaining dignity and sustainability for livelihood through SHGs.

The guest of honour also commended the programme organiser for taking up the event in Senapati district making as first in the hill district.

The 17th Regional SARAS Fair in Senapati district is being participated by SHGs from Tengnoupal, Chandel, Tamenglong, Noney, Imphal West, Ukhrul, Kangpokpi and Senapati district, running 83 stalls.

The SHG products consist of handloom & handcraft, vegetables, and many food stalls.

It may be mentioned that the main objective of the SARAS Fair is to provide a platform for SHGs of rural areas promoted by MSRLM across the state to showcase and sell their products.

It is an event to encourage SHGs to enrich productivity, create opportunity to practice multiple means of livelihood and for incremental family income.

It also emphasises on their sustainable livelihoods through groups.

The programme was also attended by Senapati ADC CEO Adahrii Maheo, DRDA project director PP Ronald, SDOs, DLOs, CSOs and staff of DRDA and MSRLM.

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