10-day Regional SARAS Mela underway at Imphal

Imphal: Self-Help Groups, village level federations and cluster Level federations have begun showcasing their products ranging from handloom and handicrafts products, agricultural products to state indigenous food items at Iboyaima Shumang Leela Shanglen with the launching of 16th edition of Regional SARAS Mela on Friday.

Chief minister N. Biren Singh launched various products of SHGs from different parts of the state and also inspected the stalls where various products were being showcased.

“Contributions of both men and women are needed to lead a quality life. Women play a bigger role in the development of the society,” Biren said recalling the contribution of Manipur women during the Nupi Lal and the freedom struggle.

Tribal communities are now taking a greater part in nation building. More than 41,000 tribal entrepreneurs of the state had been benefited under the Pradhan Mantri Van Dhan Yojana, the chief minister said. He appreciated Prime Minister rendra Modi for his far sighted vision and initiatives to improve the livelihood of the people. He said the Prime Minister had taken up various schemes for the welfare of the people with the new slogan “Sabka Sath-Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas-Sabka Prayas”, he added.

He expressed happiness on learning that various SHGs have obtained FSSAI approval for their products and also accessing the market platforms like Amazon for selling their products. He stressed the need for improved value addition of the state’s farm produce, proper and hygienic packaging so that the products could be exported outside the Ssate. He informed that the state government is considering setting up marketing platforms for various products produced by certain SHGs. He assured to extend every possible help from the government.

Mentioning that many officials from G20 member countries are visiting Manipur regarding the G20 Summit next year, Biren said he would try to make arrangements for showcasing the products of various SHGs under Manipur State Rural Livelihoods Mission (MSRLM) and TRIFED to the visitors.

Rural Development and Panchayati Raj minister Yumnam Khemchand stated that people are now rightly accessing the benefit of bank loans for improving their earning and source of livelihood. Members of various SHGs are gaining knowledge on income, expenditure and savings, he added. He also appreciated the chief minister for his initiatives taken up for welfare of the people and for releasing the funds of MSRLM timely.

State Mission director, MSRLM, N. Bandana Devi; deputy commissioner, Imphal East, Kh. Diana Devi; officials of MSRLM: and members of SHGs also attended the programme among others.

The is organised by MSRLM, dpartment of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, Manipur. It will continue till October, 23.