NABARD-backed Arun Shilpa Mela gets underway in Itanagar

Itanagar, Feb 3 (KNN) With the aim to provide marketing opportunities to the rural marts, NABARD’s regional office in Itanagar is organising a four-day Arun Shilp Mela.

The mela was inaugurated by Chief Secretary Dharmendra on Thursday in the presence of NABARD GM Partho Saha and others.

As per reports, around 15 stalls are being set up by entrepreneurs from the remotest corners of Arunachal Pradesh.

Products ranging from exquisite handicraft items to traditional handloom textiles, processed farm produces like pickles, jam, honey and mustard oil, beads and ornaments, etc are at display at the ongoing event.

“Rural marts or grameen dukaans are essentially marketing outlets of SHGs, SHG federations or FPOs, which are provided financial assistance by NABARD as part of their endeavour to promote end-to-end solutions for the micro-enterprises,” the NABARD stated in a release.

Addressing the occasion, Saha said “The event will create an interface among the participants, so as to promote exchange of ideas and cross-selling of products.”

He pointed out that in the last two years, NABARD has sanctioned 16 rural marts and 13 rural haats in the state.

The mela, showcasing the diversity in the crafts and handloom of various communities of the state, will be open from 11 am to 8 pm daily.  (KNN Bureau)