National SARAS Mela Steps Outside Delhi for the First Time, 1,500 Women Entrepreneurs Gather in Vijayawada

The National SARAS Mela is being held outside Delhi-NCR for the first time, in Vijayawada, where about 1,500 women self-help group entrepreneurs and Lakhpati Didis from 34 states and Union Territories are selling through more than 650 stalls until October 31, according to an official factsheet released on Wednesday.

Awaaz Punjab Investigations Desk21 October 20263 min readRead in all 3 languages

The decentralisation of the National SARAS Mela reflects the government's commitment to inclusive development by bringing national platforms closer to local producers and consumers, an official factsheet said on Wednesday, IANS reported. The Vijayawada edition marks the first National SARAS Mela outside Delhi-NCR.

Source: IANS via Hi India

The mela runs from October 13 to October 31 at Punnami Ghat, Vijayawada, and has drawn about 1,500 women self-help group entrepreneurs and Lakhpati Didis from 34 states and Union Territories, showcasing their products through more than 650 stalls, a second report said.

Source: Nation Press

1,500women SHG entrepreneurs and Lakhpati Didis

34states and Union Territories represented

650+stalls at Punnami Ghat, Vijayawada

Oct 13-31dates of the Vijayawada edition

The stalls feature regional textiles, handicrafts, natural and processed foods and other rural products, along with an India Food Court, cultural showcases and dedicated learning spaces. The melas are organised under the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana - National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM), which connects rural women entrepreneurs with wider markets and buyers, IANS reported.

Source: IANS via Hi India

According to the factsheet, 117 National SARAS Melas have been held to date with annual sales exceeding Rs 200 crore — yaani about Rs 2 billion. Digital platforms like eSARAS extend market access beyond the physical event, the reports said.

Source: Nation Press

Sources: IANS via Hi India; Nation Press, reporting the Ministry of Rural Development factsheet.