Guwahati: The second edition of Karigar Mela will place special emphasis on the promotion of millet-based products, chief general manager of the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD), Assam regional chapter, Naveen Dhingra, informed Business North East.
Scheduled to take place from December 1–9, the national-level event Karigar Mela 2.0 will be hosted by NABARD at the Ganesh Mandir Indoor Stadium in Khanapara, Guwahati. A day ahead of the event, Dhingra, interacting with Business North East, said, "The primary objective of Karigar Mela 2.0 is to provide exposure to indigenous craftsmen as well as farmers engaged in organic cultivation of millet and horticulture crops. This exposure aims to empower participants to align products with market demand and enhance their representation." NABARD fosters wholesale integrated rural markets covering various aspects of rural activities, from crop cultivation to non-farm activities like handloom and handicraft.
Dhingra highlighted Assam's rich handloom tradition and encouraged support for the local craftsmen. "This year, we are going to have around 60 stalls, with 30 stalls dedicated to Assam and 10 others to northeastern states like Mizoram, Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, and Tripura. The remaining 25 stalls will represent states like Gujarat, Uttarakhand, West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Chattisgarh, Andhra Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Maharashtra, he said, adding that around 130 artisans and craftsmen are expected to showcase their handloom, handicrafts, and millet-based products at the week-long event. Millet products such as munchies, cakes, snacks, and biscuits will be featured at several stalls.
"In line with the central government's declaration of 2023 as the 'International Year of Millet', NABARD initiated a project involving 1,200 farmers across 23 districts of Assam to promote millet production," Dhingra informed. NABARD's Millet Mission was launched on January 9, 2023, and it is offering technical guidance and connecting farmers with market platforms like the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) to sell their products.
Aside from product exhibitions, Dhingra mentioned that the fair will feature a two-hour cultural program from 6 to 8 p.m., highlighting the traditions of the North East. A food court offering traditional cuisines from the region will also be a major attraction.
"NABARD has various ongoing developmental projects, including tribal development, watersheds, and skilling projects. We have selected artisans from these projects to provide them with exposure to different markets and have tried to involve all 35 districts of Assam. The 10-day event, wholly supported by NABARD, is free of charge for participants, covering the lodging and boarding arrangements, Dhingra informed.
This fair will not only serve as a platform for product exhibitions but also facilitate interactions between sellers and buyers, Dhingra said, adding that people should visit to "encourage the rural artisans of Assam." Reflecting on the success of the previous edition, Dhingra optimistically remarked that he is hopeful of surpassing the footfall this year.
Also Read: https://www.business-northeast.com/nabard-karigar-mela-provides-marketing-platform-to-rural-artisans
FIRST Business Portal addressing the potential of business capability of North East Region.
