The 6th Regional Sale of Articles of Rural Artisans Society (SARAS) Fair was inaugurated by Deputy Commissioner Dimapur, Sachin Jaiswal, IAS on Wednesday at the Dimapur Club, Midland, Dimapur. DIPR informed that the event serves as a platform for local artisans and self-help groups (SHGs) to showcase, sell, and export their products directly to customers, eliminating middlemen from the equation.
The biannual SARAS Fair is an initiative of the Ministry of Rural Development, Government of India, and is organized by the Nagaland State Rural Livelihoods Mission (NRLM) in collaboration with the Department of Rural Development, Nagaland.
Speaking as the special guest, DC Sachin Jaiswal, IAS, expressed his delight at being surrounded by the dedicated SHGs who provide for their families through their craft. He noted that a significant portion of the Naga population is engaged in agriculture and related activities, producing naturally organic products. However, challenges such as the lack of cold storage, market connections, and bulk production have led to higher product prices. He encouraged SHGs and artisans to strive for competitiveness in the premium organic products sector.
Jaiswal highlighted the importance of obtaining Food Safety Standard Authority India (FSSAI) certification, emphasizing that it not only enhances brand visibility but also facilitates access to bank loans. He urged SHGs to explore loans under the Chief Minister Micro Finance Scheme for purchasing transportation vehicles. Additionally, he encouraged active participation in social media and diverse advertising platforms to reach a global audience.
Imtimenla, Mission Director of Nagaland State Rural Livelihoods Mission (NRLM), shared that the fair’s primary objective is to unite local artisans and SHGs on a platform that promotes sales and exports directly to consumers. She stressed that such fairs offer maximum exposure to SHGs, fostering healthy competition and mutual learning. Imtimenla also mentioned that selected SHGs with potential are sent to National SARAS Fairs across India, where they can showcase and sell their products.
She disclosed that NRLM has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Department of Health & Family Welfare to secure Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) certification for the NRLM brand, “Womenfolk.” This certification will include detailed information on ingredients, nutritional values, and shelf life on product packaging. She encouraged SHGs to maintain the highest product quality and seek assistance from NRLM officials when needed.
The inaugural program was chaired by State Program Manager Livelihoods (Non-Farm), A. Tiasenba Longchar, and the invocation was pronounced by Treasurer, Cedar CLF.
37 participants from 16 districts of Nagaland, along with one representative from Meghalaya are participating in the fair. The SARAS Fair will run till 25th September 2023, from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
