A couple of decades ago, DWCRA women were reluctant to step out of their comfort zones and think of venturing into business. Today, a new breed of young women from rural areas has embarked upon a new entrepreneurial journey. This apart, they evince keen interest in honing their marketing skills, Minister for Rural Development Kimidi Mrunalini has said.
Motivating more than 600 artisans who have arrived from 20 States across the country to take part in Sale of Articles of Rural Artisan Societies (SARAS), a national DWCRA Bazaar -- a combined initiative of the Ministry of Rural Development and Society for Elimination of Rural Poverty, at Andhra University Engineering College grounds here on Friday, she said: “It is nice to note that the seed sown in 1996, by Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, has grown into a tree. Today, DWCRA women are self-reliant and have proved their mettle by constantly evolving in both national and international markets. To empower them further, State government is issuing permit to the federation of SHG women to sell sand.”
Marketing facilitiesDistrict Collector N. Yuvaraj said that there was a need to provide marketing facilities for the SHG women to sell their crafts. “This is the first time the annual event has been featured in the city. We hope that the platform offers a new exposure to SHG women in terms of understanding customer needs and keeping pace with the evolving trends. Moreover, the sale proceeds will reach the craftspersons directly without involvement of any middlemen,” he said.
Among others, Project Director of District Rural Development Agency V. Sathya Sai Srinivas, AU Vice-Chancellor G.S.N. Raju, AGM of NABARD Prasad and Project Director of MEPMA D. Panduranga Rao spoke on how SARAS aims at empowering SHG women by improving business and market linkages. The exhibition will continue till October 7 from 10.30 a.m. to 9.30 p.m.
