Promoting women entrepreneurs through the brand ‘Womenfolk’

September 21, 2023 24 Views No Comment

6th Regional SARAS fair underway in Dimapur

Morung Express News
Dimapur | September 21

Offering an exquisite range of products sourced locally from within Nagaland and with an aim to promote Naga women entrepreneurs/ Self-Help Groups (SHGs) under the brand name ‘Womenfolk,’ the 6th Regional Sale of Articles of Rural Artisans Society (SARAS) fair commenced on September 20 at Dimapur Club premises.

The six-day fair from September 20-25 (9:00 am-6:00 pm) is part of an initiative of the Ministry of Rural Development, Government of India for bringing rural artisans, rural women entrepreneurs and SHG members under one platform for marketing their products both within and outside their place of business. Under the Nagaland State Rural Livelihoods Mission (NSRLM), in collaboration with the Department of Rural Development, Nagaland the fair has been conducted six times beginning from 2015 with this year’s fair consisting of stalls from the 16 districts of Nagaland and one from Meghalaya as well.

During the inaugural programme, Mission Director of NSRLM, Imtimenla stated that the objective of organizing the SARAS Fair was to provide maximum exposure of SHG products, “most of which are still untapped, to buyers not only at their place of business but also to a bigger market players which may require bigger investments and eradicate any middlemen ensuring increased income of the SHGs.”

Moreover, it gives an opportunity to the state to promote and showcase its traditions and culture to the world while motivating the SHGs to exhibit and sell their traditional products; providing them an opportunity to interact with consumers on a large scale, she said.

Due which she appealed to the SHG fraternity to inculcate healthy competition amongst themselves, such that they can avail the opportunity for participating in larger platforms like SARAS outside the state and attack buyers willing to purchase in bulk as well.

“The State Mission is also proud to see the products of our SHGs bearing the “Womenfolk” logo which is the official brand of the State Mission and developed over a period of 4 years,” she noted.

Keeping this in mind, she cautioned them to promote the brand in the best possible manner along without compromising on quality and hygiene of the products during preparation.

The Deputy Commissioner (DC) of Dimapur, Sachin Jaiswal who was invited to inaugurate the stalls spoke on the need for the SHGs and artisans to strive for competitiveness in the premium organic products sector. He mentioned that there exist several challenges which needed to be overhauled and examined, such as the lack of cold storage facilities, market connections, and bulk production leading to higher product prices.

Nevertheless, he expressed his appreciation at the dedication shown by SHG members, who are mostly women, to provide for their families through their small businesses.

The DC Dimapur also emphasized the importance of obtaining Food Safety Standard Authority India (FSSAI) certification not only enhances brand visibility but also facilitates access to bank loans.

Speaking with M Yimok phom Assistant District Program Manager (Dimapur) NSRLM, DRDA Dimapur and Lenti Imchen, Program Manager of NSRLM, they reported that sales during the first day of the fair had been very successful with a good number of items being sold out. This was because of extensive preparation, packaging and sorting of products so as to showcase the best products needed by customers, they said.

“A lot of the products being sold here are processed foods, handicrafts and handlooms made with a consideration for its marketability and pricing,” they added.

The other products included local fresh vegetables, millets, pulses, meat pickles, flowers, fruits, jewelries and accessories and every day commodities among many others. Under NSRLM, they have approximately 1.2 lakh registered women.