Every Lakhpati Didi Tells A Success Story
Saras Mela records Rs 6 crore in sales in 10 days: Reports
VIJAYAWADA: The National Saras Mela at Punnami Ghat here has recorded business transactions worth over Rs 6 crore in its first 10 days, highlighting the entrepreneurial potential of women from self-help groups (SHGs) across the country.
NTR district collector G. Lakshmisha said on Thursday that every Lakhpati Didi participating in the fair would cite a success story, reflecting the economic strength of women-led SHGs.
Addressing the media at the venue, Lakshmisha said it was a matter of pride that the national-level fair, traditionally held in Delhi, was organised outside the national capital for the first time with the support of the central and AP governments. President Droupadi Murmu inaugurated the fair, which had received a strong response from visitors.
Around 600 stalls run by women entrepreneurs from various states and UTs enlivened the venue. The sales were comparable to those recorded at the Delhi edition, the collector said.
The India Food Court has emerged as a major attraction, offering traditional cuisines from across the country.
The fair also provides a platform for women entrepreneurs to exchange ideas, build business networks and promote their products in global markets. Meetings with buyers, companies and public sector undertakings are being organised to facilitate bulk orders and product promotion.
Saras Mela coordinator Kataria said the Union rural development ministry and Andhra Pradesh's Society for Elimination of Rural Poverty were jointly organising the fair from October 13 to 31. More than 1,500 rural women entrepreneurs are participating, while 50 food stalls showcase regional cuisines.
Coordinator Sudheer Kumar said facilities included welcome and convergence pavilions, training in branding, packaging and marketing, and demonstration pavilions showcasing production techniques. A health desk, mother-care room and children's play zone have also been arranged.
Assam's Barnali Pathak showcasing handloom products and Telangana's Radhika displaying handcrafted jewellery said the fair offered an excellent platform to promote their products and thanked visitors for their support.
Later, Lakshmisha, DRDA project director A.N.V. Nanchar Rao and other officials watched cultural programmes and praised the performers.
